Canton: River Access Deal Not Yet Done

CANTON, CT — A land purchase was approved by voters at a town meeting to allow for new public access to the Farmington River, but local leaders are warning folks the land is not yet open to the public.

Canton First Selectman Robert Bessel said in a social media post last Friday it will still take a few months for all the legalities behind the land deal to be worked out.

At a town meeting June 22 (Wednesday), residents voted 56-18 to approve taking $160,000 from the town's undesignated fund balance to purchase 1.53 acres of land at 37 Bridge St. from the state of Connecticut.

In doing so, the town will take over a boat launch area providing soon-to-be public access to the river, which is a common paddle sport recreation area.

The deal also allow private river access to Collinsville Canoe & Kayak (CCK), which operates a business right near the river.

Bessel said the deal, eventually, will increase the town's public parking in that part of town as well as increased river access.

But, he said late last week, the deal isn't signed yet and, as a result, that part of town remains closed to the public for now people shouldn't trespass on CCK property to get to the river.

"We ask everyone to kindly respect their private property and to follow the rules that govern parking, launching and river access. Please also note that the floating dock belongs to CCK. It should not be used by the public at any time," Bessel wrote. "We anticipate the final approval process will take several months."

For the Town of Canton's Facebook page, click on this link.

For a full recap of the special town meeting June 22 in Canton, click on this link.