Project Specifics

Geosyntec practitioners planned, designed, and helped develop a 700-slip recreational marina on Lake Simcoe just north of Toronto, Ontario. This project required a detailed analysis of the market for marina slips in the region, marina planning, economic analysis, and regulatory support.

Geosyntec Scope of Services

We conducted a detailed inventory assessment of more than 20 existing marina facilities and more than 5,000 slips on Lake Simcoe, “The Narrows,” Lake Couchiching, and Georgian Bay. We also analyzed pleasure-craft licensures in Ontario and reviewed common vessel types and boating characteristics on Lake Simcoe for both residential and transient boaters. We catalogued amenity offerings and requirements at regional marinas, conducted an analysis of transient boating in the region (including the Trent Severn Waterway, Lake Simcoe, Lake Couchiching, and Georgian Bay), and reviewed slip rates occupancy and trends.

The result of an economic analysis was a detailed recommendation for marina development at the Big Bay Point site, including number and size of slips, and amenity offerings. We also suggested slip rate structures, including seasonal and transient rates. We used the findings of our analyses to review and refine the proposed marina development plans for the property. Our team also developed alternative marina development plans and associated cost estimates, and we used this information, in conjunction with input from the developer, to generate a cash-flow economic analysis for the proposed facility.

Notable Accomplishments

In addition to planning, designing, and supporting successful development of the marina, we also worked with the developer to generate an operations and maintenance plan for the proposed marina facility. We also provided regulatory support and helped the client select a marina manager.

Note: At the time of this project, Geosyntec practitioners were contracted as ATM, which was acquired by Geosyntec.

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