Marina Closed due to Covid -19 !

[Viper]

I just got a notification from Mercury Marine and it appears they disagree with the Ontario Government's opinion that the marine repair industry is an essential service. They have shut down their regional warehouse in Milton Ontario. They will not be receiving or shipping parts until further notice. What a mess. What say you now Mr. Premier?

[tomschauer]

We have many businesses here in PA that are on the ok to be open list such as wholesale building and electrical suppliers. However, new and existing construction is not allowed to be operational, so the suppliers have no customers and have laid off 90+ % of staff.
I would assume mercury is in a similar position.

[pepmyster]

I'm part of the essential list. Automotive repair. I don't see the word marina and I am very surprised we haven't heard anything from our marina. BTW, the list is and was just a show like was said here.

[Craig_B]

If new car sales and Bicycle Repair is considered essential than marinas should be as well.
Typical Of the government to release such a vauge and easily misinterpreted statement.
Seems to me that almost every business is still allowed to be open except for a very small portion.
I work alone as a mechanic at a small used car delearship and maybe work on one car a day now.
There is No Way we should be considered essential but here I am still at work.

[Viper]

I have to say though Craig, I get the automotive repair thing being needed. It's the only way a lot of folks in rural areas can get around for essential supplies. If their vehicle breaks down, they'll have no choice but to get in close contact with someone else to get where they need to go. Hopefully someone can come up with solutions to get around that so you can stay safe too.

I know we're all boaters here and want to be on our boats but is a marine pleasure craft essential at this time? Unfortunately we're in a time when we need to exercise some short term pain for long term gain. If we do that NOW, the long term gain is that EVERYONE will be healthy enough to use their boats. Marinas however that are determined to stay open have used the government's vague outlines to include themselves as essential. I have a lot of tech friends in the industry that are pretty much being forced to continue working and I fear for theirs and their family's health. As I mentioned before though, it seems most techs in the automotive and marine industry are not respected one bit by their superiors, which is surprising in this day and age given the ever dropping supply of good technicians and new blood getting into these industries. But that's another thread....don't even get me started on that one!

I feel your pain Craig

On that note, a big shout out for those people that are staying out there and maintaining the infrastructure we need to survive...health care workers, transport drivers, even the staff stocking food on the shelves, etc. to name a few. Where would we be without you?!

Stay safe

[bud37]

I have heard that the marinas around here may be working on a plan for boats that won't get launched due to no time left, the owners request, the Marina itself etc. etc.

[Midnightsun]

The message I just received from my marina where we keep the boat docked is they do not fall under the essential services and must close. If this is the case then all marinas in Ontario must remain closed until the situation changes.

Hello Boaters
First and foremost I pray this email finds you all happy, healthy and safe.

I have had some inquiries as to the status of the Marina and the scheduled opening. As you are all aware this virus situation has resulted in the mandated closure of “Non essential business’”. The mandate includes the Marina. We do not know how long this order will last. The Marina is a business that needs to operate, create cash flow to take the burden off of the Tax payers of Prescott. Therefore we are continuing to work towards the official opening date of May 15/2020 Victoria Day long weekend as scheduled and as long as the law allows it. Everything is in motion including hiring of our summer staff, painting of the marina building, among other things. I have been advised that Bell Fibre internet service will be installed, and electrical work will commence once the ice moves out.

At this juncture we are accepting your final payment as scheduled. Most have opted auto payment via credit card, some by post dated cheque others with eTransfer. For those that prefer to pay by cheque please mail it to Town Hall, or call to setup up payment options at 613-925-2812 ext 6211 or myself directly at 613-925-1255.

Should for any reason we are not able to open the Marina, The Town of Prescott will reimburse you fully.

If you feel that you do not wish to continue with your slip for 2020, please let me know as soon as is possible as we have a 12 boat waiting list and we can place them into empty or unpaid slips.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact me directly.

Thank you in advance for your support and patience

[Viper]

I think the way they're getting around that is that they probably don't do repairs there correct? Typically government run marinas don't. The government's wording was, "...watercraft/marine craft repairs..." and did not use the word "marina" as an essential service. Since most private marinas do repairs, this is what they're basing their logic on for staying open.

[Midnightsun]

Makes sense as yes no repairs.

[km1125]

I think it really needs to be a balance of risk. Most marinas I've seen could easily operate without customers or staff coming within 10' of another, and more frequently there is nobody anywhere near you.

For businesses that require personal interaction with customers or other employees, you would/should need a lot more justification or methods of PPE.

Just my opinion though.