Boat Launches In Ontario: Open Or Closed?

As of May 2021, there was confusion in Ontario over the rules surrounding boat launch closures, with some private marinas remaining closed while boat launches at public parks were allowed to operate. This inconsistency frustrated boaters and marina owners, who questioned why some facilities were closed while others were open. The decision to open boat launches was left to the municipalities, leading to a lack of uniformity across the province. While some areas, like the GTA and Durham Region, kept their boat launches closed, others, such as Belleville, Kingston, and cottage country, opened their launches for locals. This disparity prompted calls for the government to provide clarification and allow all boat launches to reopen.

Confusion over rules

There was confusion over the rules for boat launches in Ontario in 2021. While marinas remained closed under the stay-at-home order, the rules for boat launches were less clear. The decision over whether to open boat launches was left to individual municipalities, resulting in an inconsistent approach across the province. Some boat launches were open, while others were closed, leading to frustration and confusion for boaters and anglers.

The owner of Old Cut Boat Livery in Long Point, Ray Ferris, highlighted the unfairness of the situation. He pointed out that the provincial government's intention was to implement a stay-at-home order, yet they were allowing boat launches within provincial parks to open. Ferris argued that this went against the spirit of the stay-at-home order and put small businesses at a disadvantage compared to municipal and provincial boat launches.

The inconsistent rules created confusion for members of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH). Spokeswoman Lauren Tonelli said, "People are being told to stay home, but their local boat launches are closed. But the next town over is open. It creates an opinion of unfairness." The OFAH advocated to the government for change, requesting the reopening of Crownland camping and clarification for municipalities on opening boat launches.

The situation was further complicated by the fact that, while private marinas and boat clubs were ordered to shut down, boat launches on public land were allowed to stay open. This discrepancy led to frustration among marina owners, who felt they were being treated unfairly compared to municipal and provincial boat launches.

The rules varied not only between regions but also between types of boat launches, with municipal boat launches that were not part of a marina being exempt from closure orders. This led to a "level of frustration" among boaters and anglers, who questioned why some facilities were closed while others remained open.

The province's COVID-19-related rules for marinas and boat launches were a source of confusion and frustration for many in Ontario. The inconsistent application of the rules and the lack of clear communication from the provincial government contributed to the uncertainty surrounding the status of boat launches during the stay-at-home order.

Inconsistent application

In May 2021, Ontario boaters were questioning the inconsistent application of rules surrounding boat launch closures. While marinas remained closed under the stay-at-home order, the situation with boat launches was less clear, with some open and others closed. This inconsistency frustrated local fisherman Shaun Rickard, who questioned why he couldn't "go out in the middle of the lake" in his boat, especially when fishing was his means of escape and stress relief.

The confusion arose because, while the provincial emergency orders stated that boat owners could access their local marinas to maintain and service them, they could not head out on the water for recreational use. However, the decision to open or close boat launches was left to individual municipalities, leading to a lack of uniformity across the province. For example, most public launches in the Durham Region and the GTA were closed, but some remained open outside these areas, such as in Belleville and Kingston.

The inconsistent application of rules created frustration and confusion for anglers and boaters, who didn't understand why some boat launches were open while others were closed. This situation also impacted small businesses, as private marinas were ordered to shut, while boat launches on public land were allowed to operate. Ray Ferris, owner of Old Cut Boat Livery, called the situation "unfair" and "hypocritical," arguing that the government's intention of a stay-at-home order was contradicted by opening boat launches in provincial parks.

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) advocated for change, urging the government to reopen Crownland camping and provide clarity to municipalities on opening their boat launches. They recognised the frustration of their members, who were being told to stay home but faced closed local boat launches while neighbouring towns kept theirs open. This inconsistency created a perception of unfairness and added to the complexity of navigating COVID-19 restrictions.

Private marinas closed

As of May 2021, private marinas in Ontario are closed to recreational boating activities, while public parks and boat launches remain open. This has caused confusion and frustration among marina owners and boaters, who argue that it is unfair and hypocritical that private businesses are forced to stay closed while public boat launches are allowed to operate.

Ray Ferris, the owner of Old Cut Boat Livery in Long Point, expressed his frustration with the situation, stating that the provincial government's intention of a stay-at-home order is contradicted by opening boat launches in provincial parks. He has contacted local officials and the Premier's office but has not received any response.

The rules surrounding marinas during the COVID-19 pandemic have been a source of confusion, with private marinas and boat clubs ordered to shut down, while boat launches on public land are permitted to stay open. This has led to an unfair advantage for municipalities at the expense of small businesses, according to Ferris and other marina owners.

The inconsistent rules have also created confusion for anglers and boaters, who are unsure why some boat launches are open while others remain closed. Lauren Tonelli, of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, stated that the situation has caused frustration among their members and they are advocating to the government for change.

While private marinas remain closed to recreational boating, they are allowed to open for watercraft repair and servicing, watercraft docking, and launching services for essential purposes. However, this limited operation does not address the concerns of marina owners who are seeking a level playing field with public boat launches.

Public parks open

As of May 2021, public parks in Ontario were open for day use, with boat launches also open for use. However, private marinas were ordered to remain closed for recreational boating activities, which caused confusion and frustration among marina owners and boaters.

Boat launches at Ontario Parks were allowed to operate, but private marinas were forced to stay closed. This inconsistency in the rules left local boaters and fishermen unsure of what was allowed, with some launches open and others closed. The decision to open boat launches was left to the municipalities, which resulted in a lack of uniformity across the province.

For example, in the Kingston area, several public boat launches were available, including at Grass Creek Park, Lake Ontario Park, and Portsmouth Olympic Harbour. These launches offered parking, with some requiring payment. The City of Kingston's website provided detailed information on the locations and amenities available at each launch site.

The situation caused frustration for private marina owners, who felt they were at a disadvantage compared to municipal and provincial boat launches. They argued that it didn't make sense to keep private marinas closed while allowing public ones to open, especially considering the short boating season and the importance of fishing for many residents.

Despite the inconsistencies and frustration, the public parks and boat launches in Ontario were open for residents to enjoy, providing a way to spend time outdoors and get some fresh air during the pandemic.

Safety and fairness concerns

The opening of boat launches in Ontario has raised concerns about safety and fairness. While some boat launches are open, others remain closed, creating an inconsistent approach that has left boaters confused and frustrated. This inconsistency in rules has led to questions about the safety of allowing boat launches to operate during the pandemic.

Safety concerns are heightened by the fact that private marinas, which are typically smaller and have less space for physical distancing, have been ordered to shut, while boat launches on public land are permitted to operate. This discrepancy has left marina owners feeling frustrated and concerned about the financial impact on their businesses. They argue that they have implemented strict physical distancing measures and can provide a safe environment for boaters.

The inconsistent rules have also created a sense of unfairness among boaters and anglers, who are confused about why some boat launches are open while others remain closed. This has resulted in frustration and calls for all boat launches to be reopened or closed consistently across the province. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the decision to open or close boat launches has been left to individual municipalities, leading to a lack of standardised safety protocols.

The safety and fairness concerns are not limited to boaters and marina owners. Local residents have also expressed worries about the impact of boat launches on their communities. In some cases, boat launches may attract visitors from other areas, potentially increasing the risk of virus transmission. Additionally, the inconsistent rules have led to congestion in certain areas as boaters flock to the open ramps, creating crowded conditions that may compromise safety and fairness for all users.

To address these concerns, boaters and anglers have advocated for clear and consistent rules regarding boat launches across Ontario. They have called on the government to provide standardised guidelines that prioritise safety while also considering the mental health benefits of outdoor activities like boating and fishing. By ensuring fairness and consistency in the rules, these individuals hope to reduce confusion and frustration among the boating community and promote safe recreational activities during the pandemic.

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