Council to consider private docking on public lands near Canada Summit Centre

Lanny Dennis of Wayne Simpson and Associates was before Huntsville’s General Committee on February 24 representing the property owner of Alberto Salon and Spa on Park Drive. At issue is the fact that the property owner has built docking on municipal property which he would like to expand further for profit.

Dennis said he was there to see if Committee might entertain leaving the docking in place on a temporary or on a long-term basis, and consider the idea of a private/public partnership similar to what was done at Avery Beach.

“I don’t want to get into a whole lot of detail but I just wanted to find out from Committee if indeed there was any sort of willingness to consider the proposal at least in principle and concept and then return with additional information,” questioned Dennis.

He said in general terms the proposal consists of six finger docks about three or four feet wide, which would accommodate 12 boats. The finger docks would stand about 15 feet out from a common boardwalk along the shoreline. He said the docks themselves would be about eight feet from the shore and that at least two of the slips proposed would also be fully accessible.

He said the investment would be made by the adjacent property owner who owns the salon and part of the profit would go back into the maintenance and monitoring of the docks and Town property.

He said there’s a demand for boat slips in the area and noted that several community events have been held on the site using the existing infrastructure.

“It’s close to downtown, which would no doubt generate economic spin-off by bringing boaters into the municipality and the owner had indicated to me that he’s had many inquiries for seasonal mooring and day use,” said Dennis, adding that since the property owner is immediately next door it would make him an ideal candidate for being able to monitor the activities and administer the program.

“Alberto’s is also prepared to pay for the infrastructure, insurance, any required permits, signage… so there shouldn’t be any financial impact to the municipality,” said Dennis who referred to the joint venture as an economic development opportunity for the town by directing boaters to its facilities and businesses.

“First of all, how long have the docks been there without permission?” asked Councillor Bob Stone. Dennis said probably about three years.

I question the demand for more slips, especially since we put so many slips at the Town dock already. This is a private venture for profit, he would be renting the slips… for the taxpayer I’m asking what benefit does the public get out of this? Councillor Bob Stone

Again Dennis spoke of the economic spin-off of having an alternative site to dock, which brings more traffic to the area and said it would provide a service for which there is demand.

“It also allows for sort of that cottage or Muskoka experience… you bring your boat to town, you bring your hockey equipment and you go in and have a game of hockey,” he added.

Councillor Dan Armour asked for clarification on how such a venture would compare to the Avery Beach Docks. Kari Lambe, Director of Community Services and Economic Development, said the Town does receive funds from the rental of the docks at Avery and the docks will eventually be owned by the Town.

I personally don’t feel entirely comfortable with the way the docks there have evolved.Councillor Jonathan Wiebe

Councillor Karin Terziano said it’s important to note that it is private rental of public space, albeit not land that is currently being maintained by the Town.

It is public land and it is leading to water. Do we want to turn something that is public access to the water into private…? I think that’s a fundamental question we should ask before we invest too much more time. Councillor Karin Terziano

Councillor Det Schumacher, who seemed in favour of the proposal, noted that there used to be a public boat launch there until the Town took it away. “It’s a bend in the river that is not being really utilized and I see this probably as a win-win.”

Councillor Terziano questioned whether the proponent would consider leaving a dock accessible to the public that would not be rented out? Dennis said that could be further discussed. Councillor Nancy Alcock agreed with that premise and said she would most definitely want to see free public access available. While she said the idea has merit “it makes me very uncomfortable that we haven’t gone through an RFP (request for proposal) process.”

Councillor Armour asked that staff bring back a report on the issue with a full history of what has transpired on the property for further consideration, which Committee agreed to.