Picton Marina will soon be in new hands.
Councillors in Prince Edward County approved a sub-lease agreement with Tenacity Capital for the next five years, with an option for renewal, during their Committee of the Whole meeting on Thursday afternoon at Highline Hall in Wellington.
The lease agreement for $1 a year will see Tenacity Capital, as stated in their proposal: stabilize and normalize marina hours of operation with experienced full-time staff thus maintaining and improving services provided at Picton Marina; improve existing building infrastructure and amenities; upgrade to the necessary amperage of ALL outlets providing the proper accommodations for today’s modern vessels; explore the provision of boat storage to provide winter storage options; explore additional channels for crane services including the addition of essential emergency crane services, booms and skimmers for emergency clean-up; increase marine supplies available to reflect consumers’ needs and wants and provide complimentary Wifi to marina customers and boaters.
Staff recommended council approve the motion as it would “greatly reduce the financial and operational burden on the municipality while offering a family-friendly community space with the intention of improving the economic development of the area”.
Councillor Ernie Margetson wanted to know what the municipality was responsible for in terms of capital assets.
Director of Community Services, Programs and Initiatives Todd Davis said Prince Edward County owns a small building, a paved access point, the parking lot, the pumps, tanks and dock.
CAO Marcia Wallace said the municipality would remain responsible for any major capital repairs while Tenacity would manage the day to day operations and make upgrades.
Tenacity Capital is aiming to have the marina open for next spring.
Council passed the motion and it is up for final approval at a meeting later this month.
