County prepares to operate Picton Marina

Council agreed to update its fees, charges and parking bylaws as it prepares to operate the Picton Harbour Marina this season – perhaps opening this weekend.

Albert Paschkowiak, supervisor, environmental services and sustainability, made the report for council’s Tuesday night meeting. He noted it is hoped to be able to open the marina this weekend, despite “a few mechanical issues with some of the fueling equipment. So, if it’s open, it will be a soft open with some services and fueling is to be determined.”

The intent of the new fees is to allow the municipality to recover some of the costs associated with the operation of the Marina for the 2025 season.

In February, council approved the early termination of the third-party operating agreement (sub-lease) and in April, directed the operational services department to operate the marina in-house, with scaled down services, for the 2025 season.

“Operation of the marina for the 2025 season is a logistical challenge given such short notice and requires a significant amount of logistics to implement,” Paschkowiak’s report noted. “As approved by council, services will be scaled down to balance the costs of operation, but still provide as many amenities to the boating public as possible. Added fees are recommended in order to alleviate some of the cost burden of staffing and services.”

Staff advise the marina is likely to operate “at a small loss” for the 2025 season.

“Staff will revisit the fees and charges after the initial season to further optimize the fee structure and reduce operating costs should the operation of the marina remain in-house for subsequent seasons.”

These include:
Paid parking at all times for vehicles and vehicles with trailers in designated areas:
– Vehicle with no trailer $10
– Vehicle with trailer $20
– Seasonal boat launch parking pass (local residents) $50
– Seasonal boat launch parking pass (general) $100

Parking is limited at the marina property with two spaces for vehicles with trailers; three for vehicles without trailers and two designated for staff. However, he notes “this may need to be adjusted as parking becomes better understood throughout the season.”

Seasonal Slip $1,700
Transient / Overnight Slip (per foot, per night) $2
Transient / Short-term Slip (Maximum 4 hours) $20
Boat Launching (no parking) $5
Marine Fuel at market rate
Pump-Out (per tank) $25

Staff propose 14 slips along the boardwalk, with 11 to be used for seasonal rental and three to be reserved for short-term and overnight transient boaters. Seasonal slips not occupied are to be used for transient slips if needed.

A short-term rate up to four hours is to accommodate boaters wanting to go shopping for have a meal, but not stay overnight.

Staff also recommend a fee of $5 for launching a boat to help offset operating costs. This would be unique to Picton Harbour Marina given the launch will be staffed, unlike the other launches which are not staff and it is free to launch a boat if no parking is required.

In 2020, the awarding of the sub-lease was thought to be win-win as the marina had not been profitable under municipal operation and would save the County $30-70,000 annually. It was also noted the County is bound by the MNR lease for the Picton Marina and harbour until 2033.

The five-year agreement with Tenacity Marina Corporation was to be in place until the end of this year, but the sub-lease was terminated due to non-compliance.

In February, when council made the decision, council was told there the company did not meet the expectations of the sub-lease and there were “many” complaints from the public, and staff, about communication.

It was noted the tenant also failed to fulfil reporting and annual remittance requirements, and reporting required by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) regarding gross revenue, detailed receipts for revenue and expenses, statement of net revenue and remittance of 10 per cent of net revenue.