Kingston’s municipal marinas to open before June 2020

Municipal marinas will open to seasonal boaters tomorrow, the City of Kingston announced on Thursday, May 28, 2020.

On Friday, May 29, 2020, the City will open Confederation Basin and Portsmouth Olympic Harbour marinas “with measures in place to ensure adherence to COVID-19 guidelines,” the City said. The public boat launch at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour will also open to the public at the same time.

The City had previously announced a delay in opening the municipal marinas on Friday, May 15, 2020. Although the province had already given the green light for municipalities across Ontario to open under the Framework of Reopening our Province, the City indicated the opening would take time due to delays in preparation work at the marinas, also due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the marinas will open tomorrow, day and transient boaters will not be permitted at this time, as physical distancing measures are being implemented. However, opening the marinas to day and transient boaters will be considered after the marinas are open and operational for seasonal boaters.

“For many weeks, we have been working to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for our seasonal boaters to the municipal marinas. Staff has been trained in health and safety protocols. Additionally, we are asking the boating community to adhere and respect our new COVID-19 guidelines,” Lacricia Turner, Director of Recreation & Leisure Services for the City of Kingston said in a statement.

According to the City, municipal marina openings are being coordinated in consultation with guidelines from the Ontario Boating Association and KFL&A Public Health. The following new guidelines are being implemented:

• Additional signage
• Cleaning routines
• Closure of certain amenities, incluyding lobby and laundry areas
• Adjustments to operations to maintain physical distancing.

Reservations for seasonal slips at Confederation Basin or Portsmouth Olympic Harbour marinas can be requested by emailing [email protected] or [email protected] respectively, or by calling 613-546-4291 ext. 1823. The City anticipates a high volume of inquiries and ask for boater cooperation as the season opens.