Efforts to privatize operations of the Lefaivre Marina have been hampered.
On February 3, Alfred and Plantagenet Council received a report indicating that the township did not receive any proposals from prospective operators of the facility for the 2026 recreational boating season.
The call for proposals was issued on December 2, 2025, and the deadline was January 22, 2026.
On February 3, council adopted a recommendation to proceed with hiring a manager for the Lefaivre Marina who will work for 20 hours a week from May 1 to October 13, and to hire two full-time student employees who will work 40 hours per week to operate the gas pumps, and two part-time students who will also work 20 to 30 hours per week at the gas pumps during the 2026 season. All of the seasonal marina staff will be employed by the township. The wages for Lefaivre Marina employees have been allocated in the 2026 municipal budget.
During peak season, the marina will be open to the public for 70 hours per week.
Councillor Ian Walker wanted to know if there is an eventual plan for the township to cease being a marina operator.
“Is there a long-term plan to get out of this business?” he asked.
Director of Recreation Manon Besner said the long-term plan for the marina was already previously adopted by council and includes keeping the service for another season. She said if council decides another direction is needed, staff will follow those instructions.
Councillor Jean-Pierre Cadieux wants to see the marina generate increased revenue. He remarked that there is little difference in revenue from the marina selling boat fuel.
