Marina de Valleyfield | A new city regulations make waves

The hot season may be in full swing. Similarly, the boaters of one of the most important Marinas in Quebec only think of one thing: winter. Nevertheless, The municipality of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield now prohibits them from storing their boats at the Marina during the cold season. Similarly, making them fear for the future of their passion.

From the winter of 2026-2027. Nevertheless, the wintering will be prohibited at the Valleyfield Marina, after being authorized for decades. Consequently, One of the largest in the province, it houses 400 permanent platforms, and 100 places for temporary visitors.

Faced with this marina de valleyfield | new new municipal regulations. Furthermore, several owners and members of the Marina resign themselves to two options: moving elsewhere all year round, or simply selling their boat.

The owners of boats encountered by The press are clear: they fear squarely for the survival of the marina. In addition, which “rhythms the seasons” in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. However, By ricochet. Therefore, they are concerned about the economic vitality that the city center can lose and the quiet erosion of their culture of nautical, an “intangible heritage”.

Dressing separation

“My sailboat is a legacy of my father. For example, Sailing is a passion for me. Similarly, but I can’t put even more money in there, “deplores Léonie Gascon-Codebecq, resident of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.

“We will have to go elsewhere. Consequently, But elsewhere, there is no more room. However, The neighboring marinas are full. Therefore, You have to go far in Ontario, or go beyond Quebec City. Therefore, People are putting their boats on sale because they don’t know what to do with it, ”she says.

“Staying in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield is not a permanent option for me. Without wintering, it will reduce my season. I am thinking of moving. It will change my life trajectory. ”says Michel Racicot, who grew up by sailing on the waters of Saint-François bay.

“Our prices have already increased by 48 % two years ago. It is a big expense. Returned to it. I am forced to sell my sailboat in pieces or to move elsewhere, ”drops Léonie Gascon-Codebecq, who has just been formed in coastal navigation and maritime weather to transmit marina de valleyfield | new his knowledge to the local succession.

“They do not understand that a marina. it does not only work 5 months by 12,” adds Victor Meyer, also residing and owner of a sailboat.

“What made me stay in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield is the possibility of sailing. We have an incomparable wealth of water, freedom and a spirit of fraternity in this marina. »»

“One of the big problems is notification without consultation. They have never consulted us, “he exasperates, describing the announcement as a” cold shower “for boaters.

In order to show the opposition to the project. Victor Meyer posted a petition for the maintenance of wintering in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, on June 27. It has more than 1,100 signatures when publishing.

Marina de valleyfield | new

The municipality does not flinch

“Combining the survival of a marina with winter storage is a false dilemma. ” says Mayor Miguel Lemieux, with conviction.

During our visit to the town hall, the elected municipal official stands straight. It seems irritated by the civic reaction to its decision, especially the one that followed on social networks.

“To say that the marina is in danger, I am 100 % in disagreement. marina de valleyfield | new His years of glory are to come. »»

The mayor maintains that false rumors have circulated, notably wanting the municipality to build condos to the Marina. “It’s quite pathetic as a process,” he said. Quite sad that a certain online group invented marina de valleyfield | new this. »»

The city’s major project: the repair of Marcil Park. to the west, to link it to the emblematic Delpha-Sauvé park, a little further east. A project of 10 to 20 million.

In the eyes of Mr. Lemieux. the parking lot where the boats are stored, in the center, becomes “7 months out of 12” an obstacle which prevents “a better connection between the parks”.

More broadly. Salaberry-de-Valleyfield executed the new regulation with the hiring of a new municipal operator, who will take charge of the Marina from 2026. Until October 2024, it was administered by an OBNL, whose contract was terminated before term by the municipality-among other internal mismanagement “.

As for the lack of dialogue noted by citizens, the mayor raises his hands, as a sign of marina de valleyfield | new helplessness.

“I notified them two seasons in advance. They received the alert on Thursday and Friday, some said that there was no option. This small group who complains clearly decided that it was too complicated for them. »»

“We have 215 names on the waiting list for a place at the quay. The marinas similar to us in Quebec who do not offer wintering, they are all full, ”he concludes.