At the Committee of the Whole last week, Council voted to terminate its existing sublease agreement with Tenacity Marina and seek a new operator for Picton Harbour.

The County and Tenacity entered into a contract in 2021 for five years, set to end on December 31 of this year.

“I feel it is in the best interest of the County to move away from the agreement,” said Troy Gilmour, Director of Operational Services. He reported that the County has fielded a series of complaints about the marina for not being adequately available for public use, and advertised amenities have not been available. 

Both customers and county staff reported difficulty communicating with the marina through the contact information provided. 

“There were complaints were all summer long,” said Mr. Gilmour.

Councillor Phil St-Jean noted that CJ Thompson of Tenacity Capital had “a late breaking request” for another conversation about the issues at hand before the move to end his contract came before the Committee. 

“Should we be doing this in all fairness to all parties?” he asked.

Many Councillors had not had the chance to read a letter Mr. Thompson had sent before the committee meeting. Mr. Thompson said he was not aware the motion was heading to the committee until the day before.

“I had been notified there were complaints, but I was given no specifics,” he told the Gazette. “I would like to better understand what Councillors are looking for.”

He added that the marina’s email and telephone number were regularly monitored by staff. 

“The Committee should know this has been an ongoing thing,” said Mr. Gilmour. “In my professional opinion, as Director of Operations, the chances were there.”

Mr. Gilmour noted Tenacity is free to re-apply for the job once a formal Expression of Interest has been issued.

“I wanted to come to an amicable resolution. I believe that is something we can still do,” Mr. Thompson said.

The Marina is officially owned by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). The County sought a third-party to enter a sublease agreement, with the hope of revitalizing it for locals and visitors alike. 

Mr. Gilmour noted that Tenacity had failed to deliver either annual reports or remittances to the MNR, as is required. His report states that ministry has not received remittances for 2021, 2022, or 2023. 

“That was an error in communication,” said Mr. Thompson. “This boat launch doesn’t earn any revenue. There’s no profit to remit.” He noted that reports for those years have since been submitted.

To prepare for the tourist season, which kicks off on the May long weekend, Council wanted to ensure the marina would open, with or without a new operator.

“We want to make sure we’re exploring all options,” said Councillor Brad Nieman.

Council also directed staff to explore the cost of a municipally-run marina.

“We will ensure we are providing service for the season,” noted Mr. Gilmour.

When EOI submissions are ready, they will come to the Committee with an in-house operations budget.