There are going to be two boat launches operating for the remainder of the summer in Wellington.
Prince Edward County council voted 10-4 in favour of opening the Wellington Beach boat launch on Tuesday night during their council meeting at Highline Hall in Wellington to help manage the traffic and parking issues that have arisen since the opening of the Belleville Street launch earlier this summer.
Councillor Mike Harper noted during the week the traffic volume is manageable but it is on Saturdays and Sundays when it becomes an issue; noting there were north of 100 boats launched this past weekend alone.
Access would be provided on a first come, first served basis, with staff thinking they will have a maximum of 15 boats and trailers at Wellington Beach.
CAO Marcia Wallace told councillors they have the staff they need to enforce the paid parking on weekends which was put into effect a couple of weeks ago and staff will reevaluate their needs once the boat launch is open.
Councillor Andreas Bolik wasn’t in favour of the motion.
Councillor Jamie Forrester said it was unfortunate they are in a reactionary mode, but he saw the opening of both boat launches as a starting point for a quick fix and quick fix only.
He also recommended billboards advising people when boat and trailer parking was full and pointing those wishing to launch a boat in the direction of private launches.
Forrester said he also would like to see a committee established and have a good, long discussion going forward for next spring.
A limited number of seasonal launch pass holders would be permitted to access the beach launch and use the parking there.
A $20 parking fee per vehicle was established for Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays until the end of September to help address parking overflow at Wellington Beach.
