Graham Lacey, Boating Ontario President recently sent out a member communication that it is time to 'spring forward' and prepare for another season, starting by attending the slate of Regional Meetings planned by the staff at Boating Ontario.

Lacey raises several challenges that lie ahead for the industry and the Boating Ontario Association. The obvious issues of low water levels, operational and rate changes in the Trent- Severn and Rideau systems and water lot leases are examples. Lack of funding for the association programs, skilled staff shortages and sustainable funding for the Association are not new, but still demand attention.
 
In the Boating Ontario  Bulletin, Lacey points out that the Regional Meetings should not merely be the 'year in review', but an exchange of ideas and opinions, suggestions and comments and direction on how the association can best serve the members.
 
Twelve meetings have been scheduled across the province over the next month, making it convenient for industry members to attend and have your say. He also encourages people to bring a friend! Boating Ontario is not a secret organization, Lacey says, spread the word.

The remaining meetings are scheduled as:

REGION 1 – St. Lawrence & 1000 Islands- Wed, March 27 @ 9:30am – Ivy Lea Club, Lansdowne
 
REGION 2 – Rideau Canal & Ottawa River- Thurs, March 28 @ 9:30am – Best Western Colonel, Smiths Falls
 
REGION 4 – TSW – Gamebridge to Trenton & Kawarthas – Tues, March 26 @ 1:30pm – Comfort Inn, Peterborough
 
REGION 5 – TSW – Lake Simcoe & Couchiching – Wed, March 20 @ 1:30pm – Starport Simcoe, Orillia
 
REGION 6 – Muskoka & Haliburton – Thurs, March 21 @ 1:30pm – Dock of the Bay, Gravenhurst
 
REGION 12 – North Channel – Fri, April 5 @ 5:00pm (Dinner)
Sat, April 6 @ 9:00am – Spanish Municipal Marina, Spanish
 
REGION 13 – Lake Superior, N Shore, Lake of the Woods,
Rainy River – Tues April 9 @ 9:30am – Prince Arthur Waterfront, Thunder Bay

As of this March 19th Newsweek edition, the Regional Meetings in REGION 3 – Lake Ontario, REGION 7 – Georgian Bay, REGION 8 – Lake Huron, REGION 9 – Lake St. Clair & Detroit River, REGION 10 – Lake Erie and REGION 11 – North Eastern Ontario are complete.

To learn more visit: www.boatingontario.ca