Alfred and Plantagenet council wants the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to take action and reconstruct the Small Craft Harbour in Wendover.
At the April 15 Committee of the Whole meeting, council agreed to have Mayor Yves Laviolette send a letter to Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Diane Lebouthillier requesting the DFO prioritize the reconstruction of the Wendover site and provide the required financing.
The facility is currently in extremely poor condition. In March 2023, it was barricaded by the DFO and closed to public access.
Chief Administrative Officer Michel Potvin delivered a report to council explaining how the federal facility is one of two boat launches in Wendover and served as the main location for boaters to access the Ottawa River. The federal site is 54 years old and opened around July 8, 1970.
In 2022, municipal administration sent photos of the site to the DFO raising concerns about the safety of the facility for public use. DFO staff inspected the site in April and November of 2022 and ultimately closed it to public access the following March.
Township administration has since continued discussions with the DFO about hopefully reopening the site. Alfred and Plantagenet would like the DFO to transfer responsibility for the Small Craft Harbour to the township but wants the facility to be in good condition before it accepts responsibility for it. The township contends the DFO will have to demolish and reconstruct the infrastructure.
Potvin’s report indicates the DFO regional office supports the township’s proposal, and it would be given priority, subject to available financing.
The Wendover Small Craft Harbour is likely to be barricaded for a second consecutive year, leaving boaters with one less place to access the Ottawa River and potentially affecting local businesses who rely on tourist revenue.
Councillor Antoni Viau said he supported sending the letter to the minister. He said having the barricades there does not look good and the site is also dangerous. Laviolette agreed.
“We have to write all the letters we can,” Councillor Ian Walker said. He suggested Glengarry-Prescott-Russell Member of Parliament Francis Drouin also be notified.
Laviolette said he has already spoken with Drouin about the situation involving the Small Craft Harbour in Wendover. He remarked that the township may consider asking Drouin to deliver the letter to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans directly.
