Norfolk County will open the Port Dover Harbour Marina Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. after the province announced it is allowing all of Ontario’s marinas to open to the public.
Patrons will be able to perform maintenance and prepare their boats for the season and access the boat ramp for day-use. No payments for seasonal rentals or signing of contracts will happen this weekend. Contracts will be dealt with at a later date.
Those who need to attend the marina this weekend should expect delays entering the facility as occupancy will be limited in order to protect the safety of the marina users and to abide by provincial standards for social distancing
Amenities at the marina are currently limited, including:
- Fuel docks are unavailable
- Washrooms are unavailable
- No pump outs
- No docking
- No access to the pavilion or BBQ area
- Payment will be cashless only
- Only the public ramp will be available to launch boats. Seasonal dockage will be available starting next Friday
No more than two patrons will be allowed to work on a single boat, and visitors are asked to limit their time spent in the marina, to ensure as many people can access the facility as possible.
Those who can delay their visit to the marina until a later date are strongly encouraged to do so.
The Port Rowan Harbour Marina will be open for day access of the boat ramp, at the usual cost of $20 per boat through the honesty box on site. Access to boat houses will also be open. Seasonal dockage contracts will be dealt with later next week.
Social distancing measures remain in effect across the province, and all visitors are asked to stay at least two metres away from each other at all times. We ask all marina goers to act responsibly and consider their health and safety as well as that of others.
All marinas were closed by order of the provincial government on April 3. Like the rest of the community, county officials learned of the province’s decision to allow marinas to open to the public when it was announced Thursday by the premier.
The province only allowed marina staff to begin preparations for the coming season last week, but did not provide further guidance or direction on what regulations might be required once the facilities were opened to the public.
Norfolk County will update the community as more marina access and increased service becomes available.
Questions and concerns can be directed to [email protected] or 519-426-1612.
