FEES at the two county-owned marinas in Port Dover and Port Rowan will increase by about 25 per cent in 2025 as part of the effort to make the two facilities self-sustaining financially.

In October, county council decided to keep owning the Port Dover Harbour Marina and Port Rowan Harbour Marina on the understanding the marinas would support themselves financially and not be subsidized by county taxpayers.

A report giving options for the marinas’ long-term futures is expected next year, with implementation possible in 2026.

In the meantime, council this Tuesday was expected to increase the marinas’ 2025 fees by about 25 per cent to increase revenue.

The higher fees are forecast to boost Port Dover marina’s revenue by $195,800 next year and Port Rowan marina’s by $23,800.

Further increases of 25 per cent are forecast each year until 2028 to help pay for $8-million in improvement projects scheduled in 2029.

For years, Norfolk’s two marinas have charged lower fees than private marinas.

But next year’s fees will be fairly close to the low end of the range of fees at private marinas, senior financial analyst Ryan Fess told councillors last Tuesday.

Increased fees alone won’t be enough to pay for the $14.7 million in projects forecast for the Port Dover and Port Rowan marinas over the next 10 years.

Council will look for more revenue sources, such as renting space for food trucks and charging for parking.

Port Dover marina for the last few years has made an annual surplus of roughly $500,000 while Port Rowan marina has lost about $105,000.

Council each year has taken about $350,000 from Port Dover’s surplus to lower property taxes.

This practice could end soon.

In January, council will decide if Port Dover’s surplus will continue to help lower taxes or be used for marina purposes.

Fees at county marinas should not be lower than at private marinas, Port Dover Coun. Adam Veri said.

Next year will be a transition period for county marina users, Port Rowan Coun. Tom Masschaele said.

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Originally published December 18, 2024