Staff Reporter
Ward 4 Councillor John Kerr is asking Lakeshore administration to look into measures that could step up security around the Belle River Marina.
Kerr brought forward a notice of motion during a regular council meeting last month, asking for administration to look into security measures to keep the marina parking lot and boat slips safer.
The motion was brought forward after there was another incident where a number of youths with racing motor vehicles, were seen also setting off fireworks over the boats at the northern end of the marina.
There is currently a security guard stationed at the marine, however Kerr says that plan it appears has fallen short.
He would like to see administration develop a parking lot and marina area security plan to improve safety, while not hinder others who wish to use the park in the evening.
“There’s a history where the boaters have been asking the Municipality to improve security. We have made a number of improvements and continue to update security measures, however it seems to me that more needs to be done.” said Kerr.
A boater, who wishes to remain anonymous, tells the Lakeshore News that he has seen and experienced a number of acts of vandalism and disregard for boater’s personal property. He and other boaters are also concerned about the excessive speed around the marina parking lot.
“I would like the security beefed up around here that would include zero access to the boats, unless you are a boater, fencing, and secure gate…if you go to places like Leamington you can’t even get to the boating area unless you go through the office there,”
Kerr says annual slip renters have asked for a fence around the boat slip which includes fencing and security officer-controlled entrance of barrier gate arms at the parking lot entrance just north of the boat trailer section of the parking lot.
“Nobody gets into the parking lot without introducing themselves to the security guard. The gates will be open all day long, but when the park is to be closed, that same security guard will walk over, close the gate and monitor the parking lot and the boat area from there.” he added.
The motion was unanimously passed by council.
Administration will bring back recommendations to council in July.
Be the first to comment