Dear Boaters,
As you know, we have had to make some difficult decisions about limiting our operations over the past few weeks in order to flatten the curve. Though we’d hoped to get the all-clear after Easter, the Ontario government has extended the shut down of all recreational and non-essential businesses until May 12. (Feel free to read the full announcement here.)
As a result, we must remain closed until May 13, at which time we plan to reopen. Until the Province’s shut down is eased or lifted, our office, launch, and storage facilities will remain closed in the interest of public health and safety.
Storage
Though there will be no access to storage for the time being, we are working towards getting our boaters immediate access to the yard once we reopen, and will keep you informed on its status. We want to assure you Hillyard is a secure facility that is monitored 24/7, and our staff are still conducting regular yard checks. We will notify any customers if there is an issue with their vessel.
Launch
As a result of the latest extension, we are now targeting May 19 (after the Victoria Day long weekend) to begin the launch process, and open up the marina slips. We understand that customers will need time to prepare their vessels, and we will be providing a time window once launch dates can be scheduled. Of course, this is still contingent on the province’s emergency orders being lifted.
For any boaters that want to launch their vessel themselves, please be aware that the City of Hamilton has closed the Bayfront launch ramp at this time, and Fisherman’s Pier is closed as well. If you plan on launching yourself, please be sure to contact your marina in advance for their latest launch status.
This news is not easy to share and we understand it is disappointing to hear. Though this would normally be the time of year we’re all looking forward to getting back on our boats, and out on the water, this pandemic halted nearly every normal part of our day-to-day lives and especially the things we enjoy most about boating season.
But we will get through this. We will continue to keep you informed, and work towards a boating season that can begin with everyone coming together in good health, and having some fun once this crisis is behind us!
Please stay safe, stay home, and continue to check in with us to at 905-525-3622 or by email via [email protected].
Sincerely,
Kyle Auton
Marina Manager
Harbour West Marina
[email protected]