INSURANCE DELAYS LASALLE PARK BOAT LAUNCH OPENING

TARGET DATE FOR OPENING IS NO LATER THAN JUNE 15

There's a problem the city is working to address.

The LaSalle Park Community Marina and boat launch opening is currently delayed due to insurance renewal issues. The city is working to find a short- and long-term solution to the issue and has set a target date for opening no later than June 15.

The LaSalle Park Marina Association (LPMA), which has operated the marina for 41 years, has expired liability insurance and has struggled to find a replacement insurer.

Chris Glenn, director of recreation, community and culture, said it is working to find a way to open the facilities.

"We know the marina is a key feature for many people. We are exploring multiple options to get it open for the 2022 boating season and beyond. Until a solution is found, the marina and boat launch will remain closed and further update will be shared with the public as available," said Glenn.

Proper insurance is required for operation of the facilities. The closure of the marina also means the Burlington Sailing and Boating Club and the Able Sail program cannot operate from the marina and the boat launch will remain closed.

The marina has 219 docking spaces and is protected by a new floating wave break that was installed in 2020 at a cost of $4 million.

At the May 5 Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services Committee meeting, city council gave a staff direction to identify and fully address the financial, legal, human resource and operating risk exposures to the city in order to operate the LaSalle Park Community Marina on an interim basis for the 2022 season. A key component is the interim marina operation must be at no cost to the taxpayers of Burlington, inclusive of city reserve funds.