Apr 28, 2020

The Boating Ontario Association continues to work tirelessly on behalf of Ontario’s marine industry and specifically in regard to current marina closures that restrict marina’s ability to launch storage boats, or deliver sold boats.
 
This is a conflicting time for the boating public as many families view boating as a practical way to social distance. The Boating Ontario Association message also respects that each of us has a role to play in stopping the spread.
 
With approximately 95% of boating activities in Ontario taking place in June, July, August, September and October, the season is far from lost. Boating Ontario is lobbying on behalf of their members to initiate two phases of return-to-boating. These phases have been presented to the Provincial government and are as follows:
 
“Phase 1 – We ask that you grant us permission to do the following; with our facilities and retail showrooms in a ‘Closed to the general public’ environment and our staff operating under Social Distancing protocols; launch boats at marinas (disable vessels at docks), deliver sold boats in a ‘touchless’ process, service boats and provide home delivery, or curbside touchless parts pick up. We would continue to provide all other services as outlined in the current essential list for primary residence boaters, enforcement, contractors and services. Requested for May 1st.
 
Phase 2 – We ask that when deemed appropriate by the province, we be able to return to more ‘Open for business’ full operations under new Social Distancing protocols. We would offer to be the Government’s conduit to communicating Best Practices for Social Distancing at marinas and recreational boating workplaces. Requested for May 15th.
 
Boating Ontario says that once their requests have been approved, marinas will move quickly to get the boats ready. Until then, following the ‘Stay Home’ recommendations of the Provincial government, we are encouraging all boaters to stay off the water, limiting the need for emergency personnel interaction and keeping everyone safe in the process.