Amherstburg council votes to explore public boat launch at Ranta Park
The town of Amherstburg may one day soon have a public boat launch at the K. Walter Ranta Memorial Park after agreeing to move forward with a plan, despite the multi-million dollar price-tag.
A report to council outlined costs to build a public boat launch, and ample parking could cost between $1.6 million and $5 million, but the cost didn’t scare away the majority of council from asking administration to start the process.
“This is our last piece of real property that we could actually turn into public access for boating. And so to me, there's no other option on the table,” said Coun. Peter Courtney, who put forward the motion to move ahead. “That was my question to staff tonight, tell me another location that is doable and there is none, so it seems like a no brainer to proceed down this path.”
“I believe every river town along the banks of Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, Detroit River, you should secure that one little bit of real estate to make sure the residents always have public access to the river,” he said.
That motion was supported by all but one councillor, Linden Crain, who argued the cost was too high, especially considering it would be competing with a business right next door.
Rodney Ferriss, the president of the AMA Sportsmen Association, said private launches exist, but the town needs to consider securing a launch for future generations and not leave it in the hands of the private sector.
“It's the only town that I know of in Essex County that is on water that does not have a public access boat launch, and we need it,” said Ferriss after the meeting.
Council sold the abutting marina back in 2010 but kept the grassy lands next to it, where K. Walter Ranta Memorial Park sits.
The marina the town sold, called the River Canard Yacht Club, is now owned by Jones Realty and it operates a private boat launch at a cost of $20.
A report to council laid out costs of building a public launch, which would also have to include parking and a new road to provide access to the launch.
Even with the steep price-tag, Courtney said he’d like to see a phased approach and have the matter appear in a future capital budget.
“I have no problem moving and shaking that capital, no disrespect to staff,” he said. “We’ll take a look at the long-term plan and again it was referenced that maybe it’s outside of the five-year, but I think we can start earmarking money today.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Debunking the 'anti-sunscreen' movement: Doctors say TikTok trend is dangerous
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm about misinformation from the anti-sunscreen movement, saying not wearing sunscreen can cause cancer and other problems.
Poilievre Conservatives offer to help Trudeau Liberals pass foreign interference bill
Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party is offering to help Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government pass a piece of legislation aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada.
Three people shot to death in tiny South Dakota town; former mayor charged
Three people were shot to death in a small South Dakota town, and a former law officer who once served as the town's mayor is charged in the killings.
Ont. university says professor fired over 'unethical' sexual relationships with students
An associate professor at McMaster University has been fired after its board of governors found that he engaged in 'unethical, inappropriate and in some instances exploitative' sexual relationships with students.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
DEVELOPING Key witness lied on stand, Trump lawyer tells jurors during closing arguments in hush money trial
Donald Trump's landmark hush money trial turns on the testimony of a prosecution witness who told lies on the stand and cannot be trusted, a defence lawyer said Tuesday during closing arguments.
'Son of Sam' killer Berkowitz denied parole in 12th attempt
'Son of Sam' killer David Berkowitz, who set New York City on edge with late-night shootings in the 1970s, was denied parole after his twelfth board appearance.
Quebec homeowner recalls moment tornado hit his farmhouse west of Montreal
A homeowner in western Quebec is recounting a narrow escape after his home was hit by a tornado Monday afternoon.
Canada's professional women’s soccer league name unveiled
Canada is set to embrace a new chapter in women’s soccer with the official unveiling of the new name of the professional league.