Boaters from beyond Port Moody will be able to launch their craft at the city’s boat launch in Rocky Point Park beginning May 20.
But it’s going to cost them.
In addition to the daily fee of $22.16, including tax, boaters from out of town will have to pay a $25 reservation fee, while those from Port Moody will be charged an additional $10.
According to project manager Chad Siemens, the extra booking fee will help the city recover its costs of managing the system that is designed to control access to the ramp so users can stay physically apart during the COVID-19 pandemic. He told council Tuesday those costs amount to about $20,000 per month to cover staff wages and overhead.
The ramp was reopened on April 19 to Port Moody residents and annual pass holders after being closed since April 9 because of provincial travel restrictions and physical distancing protocols implemented early in the pandemic. Bookings are limited to 30 time slots a day between 8:15 a.m. and 7:45 p.m.
Siemens said while use of the ramp was “below average” at first, reservation slots were filled last Friday, and were near capacity on Saturday and Sunday when the weather turned summer like. He added he expects that would become more common in June, July and August, especially as access to the launch is broadened.
Coun. Meghan Lahti said the timing to expand access to the ramp is perfect, as the provincial government begins the process of relaxing its restrictions on travel and gatherings with outbreaks of COVID-19 showing signs of diminishing.
“I think it’s a reasonable compromise to opening up the ramp to non-Port Moody residents,” she said.
But Coun. Amy Lubik urged more caution.
“I’m worried we might be rushing things,” she said. “I don’t want everyone from all over the place coming here.”
Siemens said while there were only a few ramps open in the Lower Mainland when Port Moody initially decided to reopen its launch, access to the water will improve significantly when BC parks are reopened beginning Wednesday.
Coun. Steve Milani said boating is a great way to enjoy nature while practising social distancing.
“The water is a vast space,” he said.
The booking fee is expected to be in place while the public health emergency continues. Times can be reserved up to two weeks in advance by calling 604-469-4556 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. seven days a week.
At the ramp itself, a traffic management plan will be in place to allow only two boats access at a time so there’s more space between users.
