Port Colborne Councillor Calls for Review of Sugarloaf Marina Operations

The City of Port Colborne’s Sugarloaf Marina is under scrutiny as Ward 3 Councillor Gary Bruno advocates for a comprehensive review ahead of the 2026 boating season. At a recent council meeting, local officials approved a report recommending a 4 percent increase in seasonal user fees. This adjustment raises the cost for larger boats to $94.50 for the upcoming summer.

The report also details pricing for various services at the marina, which is located at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park. Minimal service docks will see a 10 percent reduction in fees for 2026, while the cost for launching a boat will be set at $130 plus HST. The marina boasts over 700 slips, including 500 for seasonal users and 202 for transient, daily users. In a positive trend, the marina reported an increase in seasonal slip holders, with a total of 365 docks leased in 2025, up from 352 in 2024.

In response to the report, Bruno expressed the need for a more detailed analysis. He emphasized the importance of understanding transient user data and evaluating how Sugarloaf Marina compares with other regional marinas. He suggested exploring the possibility of adjusting designated spots to better accommodate different types of boaters.

Marina supervisor Blair Holinaty cautioned against further raising transient rates, noting that they are already among the highest on Lake Erie. “We don’t want to push that too high yet,” he stated, highlighting a successful year for the marina, particularly during the Canal Days event. Holinaty confirmed that the marina had experienced a notable surge in usage.

Bruno underscored that the current report lacked sufficient context and called for a broader overview, including statistics related to one-time users. Sugarloaf Marina ranks as the third-largest marina in Ontario, a fact corroborated by Holinaty. Bruno questioned whether there are “too many categories” for boat classifications and suggested a review of these categories, which were established in the 1990s.

Another pressing issue facing the marina is the impact of low water levels on two dock runs, necessitating dredging efforts. Following the marina’s opening in April, staff advised boaters on affected docks to relocate to deeper areas, a move many complied with. Holinaty acknowledged the frustration among users regarding these conditions.

Councillor Frank Danch, who is also a marina user, raised concerns about the condition of the grass in certain areas, which he described as “unbearable.” Holinaty responded that a potent herbicide could be applied once a year, adhering to provincial regulations, but noted the environmental implications of frequent application. He also mentioned that the city has access to specialized equipment capable of removing long grass from depths exceeding six feet.

Bruno’s inquiries were adopted as an amendment to the report, and staff will present further findings to the council in early 2026. The report indicates that dock rates at Sugarloaf Marina will remain higher than average for Lake Erie. It also notes that the Port Dover Harbour Marina recently increased its rates by 25 percent, which has led some boaters to choose Sugarloaf for docking.

Historically, dock rates at marinas along Lake Ontario have been higher than those at Sugarloaf, primarily due to factors such as deeper waters and the stability they provide during inclement weather. These conditions make Lake Ontario more appealing to boaters seeking safe docking options. The report warns that if Sugarloaf’s rates align with, or exceed, those of nearby Lake Ontario marinas, it may result in a loss of users to those locations.

As discussions continue, the future of Sugarloaf Marina remains pivotal not just for Port Colborne but for the broader boating community who rely on its facilities and services.