Proposal for partnership with marina results in request for report on options

A proposal for a public-private partnership with the Picton Marina, delivered to council Tuesday night, resulted in a request for a staff report regarding options for operations at County-owned marina properties.

“We have a long history of attempting to run marinas and we don’t do a good job of it,” said councillor Phil St. Jean, who moved the motion forward. “We never have, and in my opinion, never will… I would like to see us move forward with finally revitalizing Picton harbour.”

Other councillors expressed concern that timing would be better after a review of the council’s service delivery and modernization opportunities, among other reports, is complete.

CJ Thompson, in his deputation, said it is the intent of his holding company, Tenacity Capital, to enter into a long-term lease to establish a revitalized marina operation. Thompson was an investor in the previous ownership group for the PEC Innovation Centre/Tip of the Bay Motel and Marina and managed the marina operations there for two years. In July this year, he acquired the property and its marina.

A public private partnership, he notes, would stabilize hours of operations with experienced full-time staff, expanded harbour services, and offer capital improvements such as a poured concrete pad to facilitate emergency lift out for crane operations, increase transient docking and hire a harbour master.

“In order to accomplish this, Tenacity Capital is requesting a lease agreement with the municipality… at the rate of one dollar per year, or whatever agreement is made, thus removing the financial burden of a public service that operates at a net loss.”

In return, he notes, Tenacity Capital would build out a state-of-the-art marina operation with 70+ berths and U.S. Port of Entry on their existing waterfront property which is adjacent, and promises no liability exposure to the municipality.

The muncipality would need to rezone the property to Tourism Commercial. Tenacity’s expression of interest also requests the County upgrade the amperage on five outlets that serve transient boaters, provide a dumpster and allow changes of ‘market value’ to launch and pump out fees.

Included in his deputation, were a letter of support from David Cleave, owner of the large building project from the marina, along Bridge Street to just past Claramount; from Greg Sorbara, on behalf of The Royal Hotel Group, and David Walcott, managing partner for The Picton Harbour Inn.