Following five years of third-party operation, the L’Orignal Marina is transitioning back to municipal management, with updated user fees. On Thursday, April 23, Champlain Township Council unanimously approved new user fees, effective May 1, 2026, after a comprehensive review of regional marinas to balance cost recovery with competitive pricing.

In a report to council, Director of Parks and Recreation Sydney Collard said that as part of the Township’s reintroduction of operations at the L’Orignal Marina for the 2026 season, a new user fee structure was required to support marina services and ensure financial sustainability.

Fees have been set to reflect current market conditions while remaining competitive for both seasonal and transient users, supporting increased activity at the marina and along the waterfront.

Seasonal rates are being held at 2025 levels to avoid increases during the management transition period. The only seasonal addition is the introduction of a combined electricity and water service fee, reflecting a new service offering not previously available at the marina.

Non-seasonal fees, including daily and weekly docking rates, boat launching, and pump-out services, have been aligned with regional averages. The Township is also planning to introduce concession and convenience sales on-site, including snacks, drinks, and basic boating supplies.

Under the new user rates, daily docking is set at $2.50 per foot, while weekly docking is $12.50 per foot. Seasonal docking rates would vary depending on service levels, with options for electricity and water.

“All the fees are extremely reasonable and should be no big surprise to anyone. It follows the same fee structure the Township had in 2019, when we ran the marina,” Collard said.

Councillor Michel Lalonde sought clarification on whether the free daily boat launching for residents applies only to L’Orignal residents or to all residents of Champlain Township.

Collard said the free daily boat launch applies to all Champlain residents.

Champlain resident Pierre Martin asked Collard whether marina members would continue to receive free pump-out service, to which she responded, “Members will receive a certain number of free pump-out services per season because it is included in the seasonal operational contract.”

Council adopted the new user fees without further discussion.