Just in time for the long weekend, the Town of Greater Napanee has announced they will officially re-open all boat launches, with the exception of the Water Street boat launch, on May 15.
Due to safety structural concerns which are currently being investigated, and to avoid added traffic congestion at the Water Street reconstruction project, the Napanee River (Water Street) boat launch will remain closed at this time. The town says public notice will be given once this launch can be reopened to the public.
While all the other municipal launches are re-opened for local use, the town is reminding boaters that Provincial emergency orders prohibit the gathering of more than five people and physical distancing guidelines remain in place. At this time, travelling outside a resident’s local area is still discouraged by Public Health officials.
To safely enjoy boating during the COVID-19 State of Emergency, Public Health recommends the following safe use procedures:
• Only launch your boat within your local municipality.
• If another boater is launching a boat when you arrive at the boat launch, please queue in line, and remain in your vehicle until they are finished.
• Do not congregate near the boat launch prior to or after launching your boat.
• Maintain a physical distance of two metres (six feet) apart from others while loading/unloading your boat and while on the waterways.
• Practise safe and responsible boating practices to minimize the need for emergency service response.
Signage will be placed at municipal boat launches reminding residents of safe use procedures.
Although Greater Napanee’s boat launches will be re-opening, there will be no docks or public washroom facilities available at this time.
A list of all municipal boat launches within Greater Napanee can be found on the Town’s website under the ‘Boat Launches & Docking’ page: