Confusion Around Boat Launches and Marinas in Ontario

Monday, 19 April 2021 at 13:16

Haldimand Norfolk MPP sent a letter to Heart FM this afternoon saying boat launches and marinas were permitted to stay open. They are not.

UPDATE: Haldimand Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett sent Heart FM his column this afternoon at 12:51 pm where he stated marinas, boat clubs, yacht clubs and boat launches were allowed to stay open under the Province's Stay-At-Home order.

We have since learned he wrote this column last week before the most recent announcement on Friday. This was not indicated in the email to Heart FM news. There have been some changes since the article was first written.

We have put out calls to MPP Barrett for comment and we will update this article when he gets back to use. Heart FM would like to apologize for any confusion this article may have caused.

Below is the order from Council to Marina owners after Friday's announcement:

---(Original article below)

ONTARIO - Marinas, boat clubs, yacht clubs and boat launches are currently allowed to stay open under the Province's Stay-At-Home order.

Haldimand Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett confirmed the news in his weekly column.

Municipal boat launches that are not part of a marina are not required to be closed. However, municipalities may still choose to close boat launches.

Recreational boating is still allowed and marinas and boat clubs can operate a grocery or convenience store for fuel, watercraft repair servicing, docking and launching. Washrooms and first aid facilities can also stay open.

Trailer parks are allowed to stay open as well with the following restrictions:

- Campsites must be made available only for trailers and recreational vehicles that are used by individuals who are in need of housing, or are permitted to be there by the terms of a full season contract

- Only campsites with electricity, water service and facilities for sewage disposal may be provided for use.

- All recreational facilities in the campground and all other shared facilities in the campground, other than washrooms and showers, must be closed.

- Other areas of the seasonal campground must be closed to the general public and must only be opened for the purpose of preparing the seasonal campground for reopening.

Ontario Parks are temporarily closing campground and backcountry campsites. Further decisions on when camping will resume have not yet been made.

You can still go fishing but are only allowed to do so by yourself or with members of your immediate household.

This is all subject to change if the Province announces more restrictions.