The RM of Portage la Prairie gave its approval for the go-ahead of a long-time coming marina project at Delta Beach. Councillor Ryan Kontzie says the Portage and District Boat Launch Group applied for approval to allow them to build and operate a marina/recreational use/facility in an ‘RS’ Residential Seasonal zone / ‘RR’ Residential Rural zone.
"The RM is very much for it," says Kontzie. "It's a positive for the Delta Beach Association and for the Boat Launch Committee. It's been a safety concern with the RM for years for the RCMP and the Portage Fire Department to be able to access the lake. So, we're very thankful for that."
"It's a need for safety as well as access for commercial use and recreation," continues Kontzie. "So, it's a great plus, I think, to the community. I was told that it's supposed to be deep enough for the RCMP to launch there, and I understand that the Portage Fire Department can launch out there, too, at any time for safety concerns."
He explains the group is responsible to incur all costs and operate the marina.
"We're just allowing the land-use there, but they are to run themselves and keep it," adds Kontzie. "I'm very happy for the community and support it whole-heartedly to keep it going and access the lake. So, it's a great asset to the community."
Rick Henderson is chairperson of the board for the District Boat launch group, and notes they were present at Tuesday's RM meeting to answer questions and present any further information.
He notes it's one more hurdle they had to cross before they can start construction.
"They had to have a public hearing in regards to the marina through the Portage and District Planning Committee," says Henderson. "There are some more steps yet. It's getting closer. There are some things I cannot comment on right now. We're still waiting on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to reply."
Gary Wright is secretary-treasurer for the group, and also attended.
"We're not anticipating any problem there because we're not digging in the waterway," says Wright. "We're building adjacent to it, and the only affect to the waterway is the mouth of the marina into the channel. So, we think Fisheries and Oceans will be okay with it. But it's in the hands of one of their biologists right now, so that's one of the steps."
Wright and Henderson are feeling quite happy after having received the RM's approval.
"We planned to build it in two stages," says Henderson. "We'll do the Marina part this year. Then, we'll build the rest of the parking lot and some of the turnaround next year. We have limited funding, so we can only do so much. We're always looking for more funding."
Wright notes their budget sits at about a $15,000 shortfall to do the capital works that are required.
"It's an expensive project but we're chasing that down right now, and we're confident we're going to be able to get that," adds Wright. "And we will, one way or another so that this project can go ahead if our last approvals get put in place. We were just in touch with the Fisheries and Oceans for the second time, and they said that it's just in queue. There are only so many biologists, especially in COVID times, so we'll help shuffle that through so that a biologist gets a look at it. We intend on being ready to dig in the new year. The marina has to be done when the ground's frozen. The marina and new launch should be ready to get rolling sometime next summer."
Wright says one of the advantages of the marina is that their current version is in the Delta channel.
Wright notes there will be fees for using the marina, seeing as the marina is going to cost money.
"In fact, it's important for people to know that we're probably looking for a three-year commitment from people who want a boat slip," continues Wright. "We have a maximum room for 24 of them right now. And the money that we collect for that won't do much more than just pay for the dock that they park at. The money to actually do the digging and the boat launch portion of this all has to come from elsewhere, at least initially. So it's a challenging project, financially. It's a lot of money."
They note they're very excited to see it go forward.
Wright adds the Delta Beach association is one of their partners.
"In fact, a number of their executive sits on our committee with the Portage and District Boat Launch Group, and they're a great partner," continues Wright. "The RM's been a great partner and contributing lots of things that they have at their disposal to help this project go forward. We're pretty excited about the momentum it's got."
Henderson extends his thanks for the help from Matt Moran, with the Portage Wildlife Club and boat group member, who has been working with them for the last few years. He notes the boat launch group is really the first organization they've funded like this for a specific project.
Wright outlines significant local support they received for this project, noting the Marina Project is a complex and costly project.
- The Portage Wildlife Club donated $25,000
- The Community Foundation of Portage and District $50,000
- Trans Canada Pipeline has granted $10,000 via their TC Energy Community Investment Fund.
Other local donations have been received from supportive local residents.
Anyone wishing to support the project would be welcomed.
The project budget for this year is $194,000, not including donations of time and equipment needed to do the parking lot, roadway, and path work planned for this summer.
For those interested in parking a boat in the Marina, their Slip Rental agreement is available for review at their website: https://deltabeachmarina.wordpress.com/
The Portage & District Boat Launch Group can be contacted via email at delta.beach.marina@gmail.com. They ask that those interested in a slip, indicate by email before January 10. Instructions will be available on the website.
If you'd like to donate and get involved, you can contact Rick Henderson at (204) 856-6429 or by email at SheilaandRickHenderson@gmail.com.
Wed, Apr 24, 6:00 PM
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