The community dock and swimming area at Robb’s Lake have recently undergone some changes. For many years, the swimming area has included both a dock and an elevated swimming platform. The elevated swimming platform was removed by the Township of Lanark Highlands in order to comply with legal and insurance advice related to public safety and municipal liability. This action was taken to protect the public and fulfill the Township’s legal duty to manage risk on municipal lands.
Robb’s Lake, accessed by a gated municipal road allowance, is a long-standing informal community swimming area. Over the past year, local residents undertook repairs to the aging dock and rebuilt the elevated platform. The Township of Lanark Highlands recognizes and appreciates the community’s dedication to maintaining this recreational space. Unfortunately, the municipality was not made aware of the reconstruction plans in advance, and there was no opportunity to discuss safety concerns or municipal requirements related to the platform. The dock and platform are on municipal land, and the Township is legally responsible and liable for this site.
The Township sought advice from legal counsel and their insurance provider regarding public safety, legal responsibility, and municipal liability. The municipality was advised to have a building inspection done of the site. The Chief Building Inspector visited the site to determine if it was safe for use. While parts of the structure had been updated, overall, the structure was not built to the standards for a municipally owned, publicly accessible facility.
On June 24, 2025, Lanark Highlands Council received legal and insurance advice on this matter. In accordance with section 239 of the Municipal Act, this advice was received in a closed session. Council was advised that the platform posed two significant concerns:
- Safety of the Structure Itself - The dock and elevated jumping platform had fallen into disrepair. The rebuilt structure addressed some, but not all, structural safety issues. The Chief Building Official inspected the structure and found that it did not meet best practices for a publicly owned recreation facility.
- Risks and Safety Concerns Related to Use - The elevated platform was used for jumping from a substantial height into the lake. Insurance advice clearly stated this use posed a high and unacceptable risk and created too great a liability for the Township. Once the safety risk had been identified, there was an urgency to mitigate the risk to avoid injury.
Risk management responsibilities for municipalities have evolved significantly in recent years. Municipalities are held to a higher standard than individual property owners, often requiring municipalities to act more cautiously than in the past. Lanark Highlands’ Council acknowledged its duty to reduce its liability exposure going forward.
Upon receiving the advice, Council directed staff to remove the elevated platform and install railings on the dock to enhance safety. Staff initiated this work immediately to prevent any potential safety incidents and to ensure the municipality would not be found negligent.
“We recognize that Robb’s Lake is important to the community, and we value the efforts of residents to maintain it,” said Reeve Peter McLaren. “Municipal councils are responsible for making decisions that prioritize public safety and protect the broader interests of the municipality. While the community may be willing to accept certain risks, the Township — and its insurers — often have different risk thresholds. Council has a legal and moral responsibility to act on expert advice when public safety is at stake.”
A notice of the decision was provided to the President of the Tatlock Hall Association by phone and by email on the morning of June 25, 2025. The Township acknowledges the frustration this has caused to members of the community, and particularly those who worked on the platform. The Township sincerely apologizes to those who feel frustrated by this decision and/or excluded from the decision-making process. We have heard those concerns and recognize the importance of dialogue and transparency, especially regarding matters that affect valued community spaces.
“We recognize that our residents care deeply about our shared community, often bringing forward creative and thoughtful ideas to improve our shared spaces. As Township staff and Council continue our work to manage municipal property, ensure public safety, and comply with legal and insurance obligations, we must find ways to collaborate with residents. By working together, we can find solutions that honour community spirit and ensure everyone’s well-being. Collaboration between residents and the Township helps build a safer, more vibrant community for all," shared CAO Suzanne Charbonneau-Dent.
New railings have been installed on the dock, and it is open for use. Moving forward, the Township is committed to improving communication with local residents and working collaboratively to ensure Robb’s Lake remains a safe and accessible community space.
Residents with questions or feedback are encouraged to contact the Township.
