The Hamilton Spectator, Teviah Moro
BURLINGTON — The city is taking over a disputed marina expansion project, with staff raising concerns over a non-profit group's plan to finance the multimillion-dollar enhancement.
The reset comes after eight years of planning for the proposed Burlington-LaSalle Park Marina Association joint venture.
The pause for review also follows warnings from senior staff that a commitment could expose the city to "significant financial risk."
If the marina association defaults on loans, local taxpayers will pay the price, Coun. Marianne Meed Ward said Wednesday.
"That's where the rubber hits the road."
On Monday, councillors agreed with city manager James Ridge's recommendation to halt the $14-million project to allow for a deeper analysis.
The marina association, which insists its plan is viable and won't cost local taxpayers a dime, expressed frustration over the change in direction.
"We are not asking for city money … We are asking to get the job done," president John Birch told officials.
The association says the plan to build a permanent wave break and increase the number of boat slips to 349 from 219 will help drive business.
The association is "bleeding" members, with boaters worrying their crafts could be damaged by rough conditions in the exposed marina, Birch said.
"Every other Lake Ontario waterfront community has a safe harbour, including tiny Jordan Station."
In July, the association complained a city finance report that questioned its plan for the project was based on inaccurate information and was lacking in knowledge of marina operations.
That came after councillors voted 6-1 to have Mayor Rick Goldring send a letter to the federal and provincial governments in support of the association's bid for funding.
On Monday, Ridge acknowledged the city is taking a "significant left turn" but insisted it needs to do its "due diligence."
That means taking over the project's planning and financial analysis while assessing where it ranks among other capital priorities.
The city will also spend $150,000 on a consultant to assess the viability of the marina operation and offer a strategy if it's determined the facility can't survive without the multimillion-dollar enhancements.
"I think there are going to be difficult and challenging questions," Ridge said.
While the marina association has said the expansion will benefit Burlington, others see it as catering to a handful of boaters and not in the interest of the community at large.
The Trumpeter Swan Coalition, which has argued the wave break will harm waterfowl and fish habitats, applauds the review.
"Of course, we're pleased because this process was flawed from the beginning," Liz Benneian, a coalition member, said Wednesday.
Goldring said during Monday's meeting the city should have dealt with the overall picture years ago and apologized to the association for shifting gears.
"I do firmly believe that a marina in the city of Burlington makes a lot of sense. It's a good amenity to have … the question is what is the cost of that?"
