New boat launch agreement at Cer-A-Met property moves forward

An alternative location for a West Lake boat launch from Wellington will move forward at the Cer-A-Met Plant location, 16057 Loyalist Parkway.

Council, at Thursday’s committee of the whole meeting, authorized the CAO to enter into an agreement with Cer-A-Met for the non-exclusive public use of the boat ramp and a designated paid parking area beginning this month for the period of one year, with an option for a one-year extension.

Council also approved an expenditure of approximately $30,000 for improvements at the site – to be funding by the Municipal Accommodations Tax fund.

The parking area is expected to accommodate approximately 15 vehicles/trailers.

The boat launch will have a portable toilet and garbage bins. Park space and other amenities will not be offered at this location.

The municipality will make improvements to the site in the coming weeks before the launch is open to the public – tentatively scheduled for mid-June.

The search to secure an alternative site has been under way since 2020.

The Belleville Street Wellington boat launch was closed in 2021, called progressively problematic over the past several years, coming to a head in the summer of 2020 when staff had to diffuse frequent disagreements over parking between boaters and neighbouring properties. Ontario Provincial Police were frequently called to assist, and provided a letter of support for the closure.