Studies to get underway regarding possible Ranta Park boat ramp

By Ron Giofu

Amherstburg town council has directed administration to get the ball rolling on studies that will eventually lead to a boat launch at K. Walter Ranta Memorial Park.

The motion came as part of the most recent regular meeting of council, where it was moved that the town proceed with studies at the park, including geotechnical and survey work, archeological assessments, and soil sampling.

AMA Sportsmen’s Club president Rod Ferriss addressed town council in support of the boat launch, pointing out an agreement was made Aug. 1, 1984 between the former Township of Anderdon and Allied Canada Inc. to give a piece of farmland to the township for $1.

“The land was to be used for recreational purposes in perpetuity,” said Ferriss. “The property was for a marina and park purposes.”

Ferriss pointed out amalgamation happened in Jan. 1998 where Anderdon and Malden became part of Amherstburg and the marina portion was sold in 2009.

“In 2022, I went to town council to request a plan to construct a boat ramp and water access for paddle sports on the south side of the property at the former Ranta Park, and council agreed to do so,” said Ferriss. “As of Feb. 23, 2023, Amherstburg administration says due to the significant financial commitment of this project, they do not recommend proceeding with a public boat launch. There is a need for Amherstburg to have a public boat launch and it should be one of the top priorities of Amherstburg administration.”

Ferriss concluded by stating that in his role as AMA Sportsmen’s Club president, “I will fight to get the people of Amherstburg the public boat launch and paddle sports launch this town needs as part of the tourism industry the Town of Amherstburg so much advertises.”

“I support the boat ramp,” said Councillor Peter Courtney, who moved the administrative suggestion.

Courtney acknowledged “we have a lot going on” but having a boat launch and water access “is highly appropriate.”

Councillor Don McArthur said he also supports a public boat launch.

“I think Ranta is a great location for it,” said McArthur.

The town’s parks master plan states Ranta Park is underutilized, said McArthur, and that park “could be so much more with water access.” A public boat launch should be a priority he added.

McArthur said timing is an issue for him and noted it could “take some time” to get the appropriate approvals. He didn’t believe the $170,000 will go very far and suggested the town start saving for the project. He also addressed money that was saved during the budget process and wondered if that could be repurposed for other park projects, as some of the savings was from the Libro Centre trail project.

Deputy CAO Melissa Osborne said the savings amounted to $125,000 but they would only be able to use $25,000 of it as the remainder is deemed as lifecycle investments that a boat ramp would not qualify for. In water work is impacted due to fish spawning.

Courtney indicated they could still work on driveways and parking lots while the town awaits approvals for in-water work.

Director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture Heidi Baillargeon said approvals from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) will be part of the process.

“We don’t even know what location along the Ranta waterfront they will allow the boat launch,” she said. Administration had expressed concerns over the cost of the project, particularly in light of the resources it will take to develop the former Duffy’s property.

“For the past five years the Town has invested a significant financial, time and resource commitment to the Duffy’s waterfront property. Waterfront develop- financial commitment for this project administration does not recommend proceeding with the installation of public boat launch at this time,” Baillargeon’s report concluded.

Baillargeon also told council during the March 13 meeting that studies could take “a minimum of two to three months.”

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb said he agreed with a boat launch at Ranta Park. “This community was founded on the river. This is why we’re here is because of that river and that lake,” said Gibb. “Public access to the water is extremely important to me. That’s one of the greatest natural resources that we have and because of the situation that’s come about, it’s time we need a public boat launch.” ment of this nature requires similar time and financial commitment. With limited resources it is therefore recommended that the focus for the Town’s waterfront development remain committed to the Duffy’s waterfront development at least until this property is open as public park space before embarking on another waterfront development initiative,” stated Baillargeon in a written report to council.

Baillargeon did lay out a recommendation on how to proceed if council did decide to go forward at the Ranta Park site, including having studies funded from the Ranta Memorial Park Bequest Reserve to a maximum of $170,000.

To develop a boat launch at Ranta Park, Baillargeon estimated to be in the range of $460,000-$525,000.

“In conclusion, due to the significant

Gibb said both Duffy’s and Ranta projects will take a lot of effort but was confident in town staff to get it done.

Ferriss said they have a lot of patience, particularly since Ranta Marina was sold to private interests. He said the sale of the marina wasn’t done by the current council but “let’s try to correct it. That’s all we’re asking.”

AMA Sportsmens Club member Ron Deslippe encouraged council to pursue government funding with Mayor Michael Prue stating the town regularly applies for grants for different projects.

“Amherstburg has never, ever not applied for a grant that’s available. It never happens,” said Prue. “We apply for every single one of them and we’ll apply for one if it comes up for this.”

Osborne said grant applications usually fare better if there are studies to back it up, but the town would still apply in the meantime should opportunities arise.