Lakeview Marina remains a city property despite Mayor's vote

Windsor city council passed a motion to keep the Lakeview Park Marina as a City of Windsor property.

The vote went against the wishes of new Mayor Drew Dilkens, who supporteda public-private partnership.

Five years ago, the city investigated the possibility of someone else taking over marina operations.

There was no interest then, but Dilkens said times have changed.

"Now we're in a position where we've turned the operation around," said Dilkens. "The economy has picked up and we're actually generating profit. At the end of the day, this would have allowed us to test the market."

One of those who wanted to explore another option was Ward 3 councillor Rino Bortolin.

He said a public private partnership could mean even higher profits.

"This particular service as a city service turns a profit because it's high-end, high-income profit for people who have money to spend on something like boating, so I won't be supporting this motion."

Councillors Jo Anne Gignac and Fred Francis alsoagreed with Dilkens, while the other seven voted to hold on to the marina.

Bruce Wightman lives in the east end and uses the marina.

"Restoring Lake Park Marina is still a lot cheaper than anything else," he said. "The only thing here is to stop looking at Lake Park Marina as a profitable business enterprise and look at it as I and my fellow marina friends do a paradise in Windsor for all Windsorites and tourists to enjoy."

Council also voted to invest $500,000 to fix the docks, replace fuel tanks, build a new office and install WiFi at the marina.