Aug 28, 2023

Boating Ontario is a non-profit association that engages and promotes the boating industry, advocates on behalf of their members, and aims to increase boater retention by educating and promoting subjects of interest and concern to the public.

Boating Ontario CEO Rick Layzell, was proud to recently represent the boating industry at the 2023 Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference. With over 1,500 delegates in London over several days, Boating Ontario delivered multiple advocacy messages including:

1. Emphasis on the importance of a recycling solution for 1 lb propane tanks at marinas

2. Continued conversation on shrink wrap and indoor storage solutions

3. Discussion on the expanded reach of Clean Marine program

4. Impact on the Federal luxury tax in relation to lost provincial tax revenues

5. Discussion on electricity grid distribution to rural businesses for adaptation to upcoming electricity demands in parking lots and on our docks

6. Shared details on record success with student training program

7. Continued conversation on floating accommodations on our waterways including BOA as a bridge to MNRF discussions with Transport Canada on licensing these units

8. Request to open negotiations on upcoming term for marina water lot lease agreements

9. Revisit staycation travel tax credit to reinvigorate in province travel and to include transient boating

10. Explanation of MarineWorx Development Fund and funding supports back to industry

Said Rick Layzell, “We are grateful to the team at TIAO – the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario for their tireless efforts in pulling all of these meetings and opportunities together. AMO 2023 was our most effective AMO in driving home key advocacy messages on behalf of our 500++ members across the province. The seeds have been planted to continue improvements for our sport as we move towards fall layup and the Toronto International Boat Show which will set the stage for a successful 2024 season.”

About Boating Ontario
Boating Ontario proudly represents over 500 member companies throughout the province of Ontario including private & municipal marina operators, boat dealers, brokers and suppliers in Ontario’s diverse recreational boating industry. Boating Ontario, through collaboration and partnerships provide all our members with critical and regulatory support for all aspects of their business through information, advice, direction as well as practical money saving programs. Ultimately our goal is to increase the recreational boating market and promote the lifestyle enjoyed by those already involved in the industry. For more information, visit www.boatingontario.ca or contact us at 1 (888) 547-6662.