Windsor-Essex boaters now have another option for launching their boats this long weekend.
The Town of Kingsville will open its municipal boat launch at 8 a.m. Friday, two days after Lakeshore opened its boat ramp at the Belle River Marina.
The cost to launch a vessel at Kingsville is $12 for a daily pass. Monthly and season passes starting at $50 are also available and can be purchased online at the town's official website. Launchers will be expected to practice adequate physical distancing and avoid group gatherings of more than five people.
Fueling will not be offered at the Kingsville marina for the time being.
Mayor Nelson Santos said he is confident that the same attitude toward safety that has driven the town through the pandemic will carry over to the water.
"We want people to enjoy the nicer weather, the fresh air and the water, but to do so responsibly," said Santos. "Our community has banded together to follow these very important recommendations from our public health officials and we’re confident that safety will remain top priority as our boaters start getting out on the water."
The town will allow only one vessel at a time to be launched. Boaters will be asked to stay in their vehicles in the assigned waiting area until their turn to launch comes up. Only people actively launching or unlaunching a boat should be in the area.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced Thursday afternoon that marinas will be among those recreational businesses being allowed to reopen, provided they can do so safely and within current guidelines. Municipalities have the final discretion as to when they will be ready to open those facilities.