Report details improvements needed at 13 boat launches in the County

A detailed assessment of the conditions of the County’s 13 active boat launches approved by councillors at Thursday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, will result in the launch of improvements.

Troy Gilmour, Director of Operational Services, provided a detailed report which included an overview of maintenance, and plans for timing and funding of quick fix and longer term upgrades.

“The current action plan, as outlined, will result in a relatively quick solution to the current, critical state of repair of the boat launch facilities,” stated Gilmour. “Without quick action, many of these facilities could no longer be useable as boat launching facilities in the very near future and will need to be permanently closed.”

Ten of the launches are owned by the municipality, two are leased (Wellington and West Lake). The boat launch at Picton Marina has been operated by a third party under sublease, which is currently under review and will be discussed in a separate report. Staff also recognized various other more informal launches, but did not evaluate in this report.

“All active boat launch facilities have an information kiosk, portable washroom, picnic table and garbage can at minimum,” stated Gilmour. “Some have more than one of each of those amenities and some offer added amenities such as covered picnic areas, playgrounds and open greenspace. Glendon Green and Weller’s Bay offer paddle-craft launches in addition to the other amenities.”

Municipal staff will bring council options and costs for a long-term agreement for the West Lake boat launch; along with the possibility of at least one County boat launch specifically designed for people requiring increased accessibility.

The boat launch at West Lake was leased in an agreement with Cer-a-met Manufacturing (now Campfire Circle) in 2022 as an alternative to the closure of the Wellington Marina boat launch at Belleville Street. Staff expect to bring forward a separate report in advance of the 2026 budget deliberations to evaluate options and how that might affect Wellington Rotary Beach boat launch. Public feedback has strongly opposed the parking fees for the West Lake boat launch, which offers no actual boat ramp (gravel entry).

In 2021, council replaced the “honour system” of boat launching fees with paid parking fees, at a cost of $74,020 (approximately $41,000 funded by the first year of parking revenues, and the remaining $27,020 covered by the Municipal Accommodation Tax).

“Prior to the implementation of the new parking system, parking revenues averaged $6,500 annually,” stated Gilmour. “The most recent revenue estimate for 2024 is $79,000, highlighting that, indeed, the honour system was not being adhered to, and that the new parking pay system, combined with increased bylaw enforcement, has been successful in recovering costs for routine maintenance, as well as to fund much needed capital upgrades.”

He spoke to a goal of offering improved service at the launches through seasonal maintenance, and upgrades to capital infrastructure.

“While every boat launch would see immediate improvements through an upgraded, routine maintenance approach for the 2025 season, staff have taken the condition assessment data and prepared a prioritized list of sites that would also receive capital upgrades over the next two to four years.”

Routine maintenance includes dock work, grass cutting, tree work, and trash pickup. The updated strategy will include rubber bumpers the full length of docks, cleats added every two to three metres on all docks and improved placement of the paddle-craft docks for efficient use.

“To further promote non-motorized paddle-craft in the picturesque bays, additional paddle-craft launches would be beneficial. Following public consultation on parklands funds, Big Island was identified as a potential candidate. Other sites are not currently ideal either because they are on the larger, open bodies of water, they already have a paddle-craft dock, or the logistical constraints make it difficult or impossible to add one without impeding the use of the boat launch ramp.”

Shade and sitting areas are expected to be added at most sites, beginning with Big Island which was identified during in-person public consultation. This will be implemented using parkland funds in 2025.

“Based on site assessments as well as public feedback, it is very clear that these assets are mostly in poor condition and require ramp upgrades in order to be functional now and into the future,” said Gilmour.

“Big Island and Prinyer’s Cove have been identified, through public feedback, as being top priorities. The Big Island channel is extremely shallow, restricting boat access and making navigation difficult. The ramp at Prinyer’s Cove is in very poor condition, with a steep incline and low water levels further complicating its use. These factors create safety concerns and usability issues, highlighting the urgent need for improvements at both locations.”

While in poor condition, he added that many of the ramps were also not originally designed to accommodate the volume of traffic and size of vessels being launched today.

“Replacing the deteriorated ramps with ones that are better designed and sized, as well as doing dredging to re-establish the fairways will alleviate the logistical challenges with steep grades, slipperiness, and low water levels being experienced right now.

“The public has reported a large mound of gravel and rocks about 12 feet off shore at H.J. McFarland boat launch from boaters “power loading” and this is a problem echoed at other sites (common at most boat launches). Offshore / channel data was not included in the site assessments due to logistical constrains; however, it is clear from the low water levels that dredging is a primary need at most sites and, ideally, that is completed at the same time as a full ramp replacement.”

Gilmore recommended the current maintenance and upgrades strategy would see two full ramp replacements with dredging for 2025 and two more for 2026 and 2027.

“With the parking revenues contributing to Operational Services’ budget for 2025 and expected to remain consistent for future seasons, it is expected that this can be done within the current budget.

“Staff would extend a request for quotation with an Option A and Option B. Option A would request pricing to include full ramp replacement plus dredging at two locations and Option B being full ramp replacement at two locations without dredging. A decision on which option to take would be dependent upon what would fit into the 2025 budget (same for future years of the strategy).

“Should quotations or bids come in higher than expected, staff would take steps to find alternate funding, including potentially a request for a small portion of the Municipal Accommodations Tax to fund the critical upgrades over the next three years as proposed.

“Implementation and enforcement of the parking fees was intended to solve the historical issue of poor maintenance and capital investment due to a lack of funding and thereby offer an improved level of service for these facilities which offer multi-use benefits to both residents and visitors.

Fees were set in such a way that residents see a significant discount over non-residents for seasonal parking passes ($50 versus $100) and such that those with a single vehicle pay a lower daily rate than those who require more space to park a vehicle with trailer ($10 vs $20).”

It is noted the $79,000 in estimated parking revenue for 2025 does not currently all go to Operational Services’ budget for boat launch maintenance as it includes bylaw enforcement services. Of the $79,568 in revenue for 2024, $34,370 was put into Operational Services’ budget and it is expected that this amount will be consistent for 2025 to help cover capital upgrade costs.

The 2024 revenues are broken down by the four different parking rates and method of payment as follows:

Staff will proceed with a procurement process to obtain quotes for the planned work for 2025 with the intent to combine the two proposed capital projects to obtain better value (repeating the same again for the next two to three years).

Below from Gilmour’s extensive report (full report available on the County website)

Ameliasburgh Boat Launch
Site Characteristics:
This ramp is not designed for power boats and is more suitable to small paddle craft. It is located within Roblin Lake Park – a busy swimming area in summer months that offers extra amenities including a washroom building and a playground. It provides access to Roblin Lake.

Key Challenges:
This launch area is subject to washouts, does not have designated parking space for vehicles with trailers, and is located within a busy public park area. Use of this launch area obstructs access to the water treatment facility and, as there is no turn-around, it can be impossible to access if the driveway is blocked by parked staff or park visitor’s vehicles. The launch area is often used by park users as an overflow swimming access point on busy summer days when the adjacent beach area is full. This presents a safety hazard when vehicles are maneuvering. It is not recommended for use as a motorized boat launching facility, but more suitable for non-motorized watercraft.
Ramp Condition:
No boat launch ramp (gravel).
Public Survey Notes:
While a small number of people have expressed interest in a small paddle-craft dock during in-person consultation for Parklands Funds, the majority are opposed to a dock at this location and, instead, wish to see it kept as overflow for the busy beach area. The public survey indicates this is the least used and least preferred boat launch which is consistent with its lack of an actual ramp and access to a small, isolated body of water that isn’t as appealing for motorized boating.
Quick Wins:
Consider designated parking for vehicles with trailers in existing space near the tennis courts. No capital enhancements are desired by the public and none are recommended by staff.

Big Island Boat Launch
Site Characteristics:
This ramp is frequented by boaters, paddlers and cyclists as well as by locals using the area to rest and relax. It provides access to the Bay of Quinte.
Key Challenges:
Parking here is challenging. The currently designated vehicle with trailer spaces are obstructed by brush overgrowth / natural areas. Additionally, the designated free spaces for vehicles without trailers are not actually large enough to accommodate a vehicle without obstructing the driveway. The channel off of this ramp is very shallow with the water level barely reaching the ramp.
Ramp Condition:
The ramp is in poor condition with a significant lip between the entry and ramp sections. The concrete ramp is very short and there is no underwater ramp extension which requires vehicle wheels to enter the water, potentially getting stuck in the soft bottom of the channel.
Public Survey Notes:
This site is identified as one of the top five for parking vehicles without a trailer, signifying that it is popular with non-boaters.
Site assessment revealed the spaces currently designated for free parking do not actually accommodate a vehicle and the space designated for vehicles with trailers is also obstructed by vegetation. These known parking challenges are echoed in the public survey data.
An in-person public consultation was held on site at Big Island in 2024 on how the Parkland Funds designated for this site might be used. Most expressed a preference for a sitting area with shade as well as a well-designed paddle-craft dock. Much of the feedback was related to general maintenance of the site rather than on adding new amenities and that was expected given the poor condition of the ramp and extremely low water levels in the channel.
Quick Wins / Enhancements:
Add a relaxation spot with lounge chairs and shade per the desire expressed by the public during the in-person Parklands Funds consultation. This site would benefit from cleats to avoid tie-off on the external guide piles. This site is recommended for more significant ramp replacement as well as dredging of the fairway to revitalize its use as a boat launch.

Glendon Green boat launch
Site Characteristics:
This boat launch area is one of the most popular for boaters, particularly for visiting boaters, and paddlers as well as tourists to Sandbanks Provincial Park with the walking trail directly off of the parking area and a newly added sundeck which will have adirondack style lounge chairs added in 2025. The dock offers a paddle craft launch which is very popular with visiting paddlers. It provides access to East Lake.
Key Challenges:
The approach to this ramp is from a clockwise direction (not ideal) and space to maneuver with a trailer is very tight. The dock is short (doesn’t extend far into the water due to limitations from the perpendicular canal) making it mostly impossible to tie-off parallel. Cleats are provided on the perpendicular side of the dock, requiring boats to be swung around to tie-off when launching or preparing to exit.
Ramp Condition:
The ramp itself is in good condition, free of any major cracks or unevenness with good traction though it does lack drainage grooves. It also has an underwater extension which is in good condition.
Public Survey Notes:
The Have Your Say online survey conducted in Fall 2024 identified this site as one of the top five for parking vehicles without a trailer, signifying that it is popular with non-boaters. Users have concerns with the length of the dock; however, this is limited by the directly adjacent canal.
Quick Wins / Enhancements:
The dock cannot be lengthened due to the entry to the canal immediately adjacent; however, the placement of the added sundeck can be adjusted to allow better access to the paddle-craft dock.
No significant capital upgrades are recommended for this site at this time.

H.J. McFarland boat launch
Site Characteristics:
This launch is popular for boaters with ample parking space and extra amenities including a covered picnic area and lots of greenspace. It accesses the Bay of Quinte via Picton Bay.
Key Challenges:
The driveway is subject to washouts and requires more frequent maintenance. The wood dock section adjoining to the permanent concrete section doesn’t align appropriately while the dock is in line with the ramp.
Ramp Condition:
This ramp is in very poor condition. Although it has drainage grooves, it has washed away on the dock side (directly related to the issue with washouts coming down the driveway) and slopes off steeply at the toe of the ramp. It also lacks an underwater ramp extension which requires vehicle wheels to enter the water, potentially getting stuck in the soft bottom of the channel.
Public Survey Notes:
This site is identified as one of the top five for parking vehicles without a trailer, signifying that it is popular with non-boaters. Users report that the steep grade makes it very difficult to use.
Quick Wins / Enhancements:
The transitions between the permanent pier section and two dock sections can be improved to align better (preventing twisting and a drop off to the water) while still having the main dock in line with the launch ramp. Addressing the washouts/drainage issue from above is key here. Once this problem is corrected, the is recommended for full replacement.

Mabel Kleinsteuber boat launch
Site Characteristics:
This site is cozy and busy. The launch provides access to a long, reed-lined channel to West Lake.
Key Challenges:
The channel here is narrow leaving very little room to turn larger boats around to leave the dock. Vegetation growth in the channel contributes to the need for routine clearing/ dredging if the channel is to be kept open enough to accommodate motorized watercraft for the future. The driveway is narrow but offers a small turning circle to back onto the small ramp. It’s small space is a challenge as it is also one of the most popular choices for boaters to launch from.
Ramp Condition:
The ramp is in fair to poor condition. Although it is free of major cracks or unevenness and has decent traction on the ramp itself, it lacks drainage grooves and there is no underwater ramp extension which requires vehicle wheels to enter the water, potentially getting stuck in the soft bottom of the channel.
Public Survey Notes:
Users report that the channel here is difficult to navigate due to the low water level and the tight, overgrown channel.
Quick Wins:
Cleats can be added as well as replacing the dock bumper with a rubber one that extends the full length of the dock.
This site should be identified for more routine dredging to keep the channel open into the future. Considering the popularity of this launch, replacement of the ramp should be considered.

Northport Boat Launch
Site Characteristics:
This is the only boat launch which offers docks on both sides. It is located within Centennial Park which is popular with residents for leisure and many different events and is a key water access area for the north end of the County and offers added amenities including a playground and a gazebo. Access is to the Bay of Quinte.
Key Challenges:
The approach to this ramp is from a clockwise direction (not ideal) and the dock has a very steep sloping section between the permanent wharf and the fixed wood dock (unavoidable). This site received significant upgrades within the past five years including replacement of the permanent pier on the east side, addition of the dock on the west side, and full ramp replacement.
Ramp Condition:
The ramp is in good condition with good drainage grooves, having been replaced less than 5 years ago . Although it doesn’t have a separate underwater ramp extension, the ramp itself does extend well into the water but could still benefit from an extension to compensate for low water levels.
Public Survey Notes:
This site is identified as one of the top five for parking vehicles without a trailer, signifying that it is popular with non-boaters. Users appreciate the upgrades that were done to this ramp and agree that a bit more extension into the water would help with launching in low water times.
Quick Wins:
This site received significant upgrades/replacement of the ramp, pier and docks within the past five years and no further major work is needed. Consider adding an underwater ramp extension to make the new ramp easier to use in low water levels.

Prinyer’s Cove Boat Launch
Site Characteristics:
This launch is located within a larger greenspace with added amenities including a playground. It is popular with residents and is a key water access area for the local community in the far east of the County and includes added amenities including a playground on a very large greenspace. This site provides access to Lake Ontario via the Bay of Quinte.
Key Challenges:
The ramp here needs full replacement and presents significant logistical challenges to use.
Ramp Condition:
This ramp is in particularly bad repair with all three sections heavily cracked and deteriorated. The ramp extension is exposed due to low water level and has a gap to the ramp which creates a bump and divot between the two sections which will make it difficult to get in and out smoothly.
Public Survey Notes:
This site is identified as one of the top 5 for parking vehicles without a trailer, signifying that it is popular with non-boaters. Known issues with the steepness and condition of this ramp are repeated in the public survey feedback. It is noted that this ramp is particularly popular with fishing boats and users would like to see a longer dock with an extended season.
Quick Wins:
Docks are due for some replacement work and would benefit from rubber bumpers added along the full length. This site requires a full ramp replacement.

Rossmore Boat Launch
Site Characteristics:
This boat launch area is directly adjacent to the provincially owned greenspace which is very popular with tourists fishing from the retaining wall and from the municipally owned dock as well as picnicking. This launch provides access to the Bay of Quinte.
Key Challenges:
The transition between the retaining wall, grass and the dock needs improvement to make foot traffic to the dock easier. The ramp itself requires the shallow hole to be filled but the ramp itself has good traction and has a decent slope with a good underwater extension.
Ramp Condition:
The ramp at this site is in poor to fair condition. There is a shallow but wide hole / divot in the middle of it, and some deterioration towards the toe of the ramp. The underwater ramp extension is a metal grate that is in good condition.
Public Survey Notes: Users were primarily concerned with the low water level.
Quick Wins / Enhancements:
Fill in the pothole/divot to remedy the trip hazard.

South Bay Boat Launch
Site Characteristics:
This site is not ideal for a motorized boat launch and will not accommodate large vessels. It is a valuable access point for paddlers with a shaded picnic area and access to South Bay via the narrow, scenic inlet channel from the launch area. There is no designated parking area at this launch (not subject to parking fees). The launch provides access to Lake Ontario via South Bay but requires an extended navigation through the narrow channel out to South Bay.
Key Challenges:
The logistics of this site don’t allow for a properly designed boat launch. The fairway is very short, requiring a boat to turn 90 degrees almost immediately once launched in order to move out into the channel. It is best suited for paddlers and has a wood dock that is in new condition.
Ramp Condition:
The ramp is very short, doesn’t extend into the water and is overgrown with vegetation.
Public Survey Notes:
Survey respondents indicate that they would like to see additional boat launching areas to access Black River and South Bay.
Quick Wins:
Some general maintenance to control the vegetation around the launch and dock would enhance this rustic site. Signage and communication could be put in place to advise that only small craft are recommended to launch here. The channel is environmentally sensitive and is not recommended for dredging and therefore significant upgrades to this ramp are not recommended.

Weller’s Bay boat launch
Site Characteristics:
This site offers one of two paddle craft docks (the other being at Glendon Green). It offers a modest amount of parking along the grass shoulders of the driveway and a small to moderate turn-around space for vehicles with trailers. This launch provides access to Weller’s Bay.
Key Challenges:
The water level sits with the underwater ramp extension exposed rather than falling midway up the ramp which requires vehicle wheels to enter the water with a very short, hard surface to support the wheels before hitting the soft bottom of the channel. The paddle-craft dock requires re-setting to ensure the height doesn’t prohibit efficient use – this can be addressed with seasonal installation and maintenance.
Ramp Condition:
This boat launch ramp appears to have been very roughly poured concrete from the beginning which has deteriorated with significant breakage particularly at the shoreline. The portion extending underwater is in very poor condition with a section missing on one side which boat trailers are likely to get caught up in making it difficult to get in and out smoothly.
Public Survey Notes:
Users report that the paddle-craft dock here is often obstructed by boats tied off on this side of the dock and that the parking situation makes it difficult to turn-around with a vehicle and trailer due to vehicles parked in the way.
Quick Wins / Enhancements:
This site would benefit from a full ramp replacement.

West Lake Boat Launch
Site Characteristics:
This site is leased from Campfire Circle. It does not have a concrete ramp nor any added amenities with the exception of a portable washroom.
Key Challenges:
There is no boat launch ramp here (gravel), making it difficult to use to launch mid to large size boats. As a leased site, the potential for adding one is more challenging.
Ramp Condition:
There is no concrete ramp at this location.
Public Survey Notes:
The key feedback here is that this location does not offer an actual ramp and therefore the parking fees feel unjustified. The survey data indicates that users are not aware this is not a publicly-owned space. Users would like to see a full ramp installed here.
Quick Wins:
Changes to this site are currently limited due to it being a leased property.

Wellington Rotary Beach Boat Launch
This site has not been assessed.

Picton Marina Boat Launch
This site has not been assessed.