With boating season about to take off, Blind River City Council explored several concerns and options needed to prepare the full-serviced marina facility for boaters and visitors.
At Monday evening’s council meeting, discussion took place about preparing the marina for its busy time in July and August.
Among the issues raised was putting up proper signage to direct visitors to the marina which now includes the Timber Village Museum and art gallery which were recently relocated from the museum building off of Highway 17.
Council approved spending $2,500 for new signage on the Highway 17 corridor.
CAO-clerk Kathryn Scott brought some concerns in a report to council, some that were discussed in a recent meeting with boaters and Mayor Sally Hagman.
Scott said some of the issues to get the marina ready were already in place, but she pointed out there were delays in getting some of the work due to staff assisting with the relocation of the museum and art gallery.
“Further complicating the smooth transition into boating services is the facility that was relocated to the Marina, which required staff to work overtime to achieve the move prior to the grand opening,” she said in her report. “This delayed some of the budgeted projects to be completed.”
Four new summer staff members have been hired with a budget of $13,000 “to allow for a full complement during July and August.”
Among the issues still to be considered by council is replacement of a “No Wake” sign which is fading, the installation of a “No ATV” sign which requires a council bylaw for its installation and enforcement by the OPP, the installation of a “Service Dock” sign, signage for the docks noting their use for boaters only; and informing overnight campers to park in a better location for a $10 stay, $5 for use of shower facilities and that generators are prohibited.
Seasonal boaters have raised concerns about improving internet connection for them which will result in some additional, undefined costs that would have to be approved by the town’s budget committee.
Fishing is not allowed in the marina boating area because of Ministry of Natural Resources regulations.
Councillor HP Roy raised concerns about fishing at the end of the pier. He said he was approached by a resident who had two children fishing off the end of the pier and who were “chased away” by boaters who thought there was no fishing allowed in the open water near the entrance to the marina.
He was told fishing is allowed in that area.
Concerns were also raised by boaters about radio calls not being answered by marina staff. Scott said staff have to be trained to operate the boat-to-shore radio and she expected staff will be able to operate the radio to respond to inquiries from arriving boats by July.
Mayor Sally Hagman, a sailing enthusiast, said the communication has to be established to answer any inquiries from incoming boaters who might need assistance in tying off their boats or other services.
Council opposed a request for spending an additional $5,000 for additional staff at the marina.