Department of Fisheries & Oceans to Invest in the Town Dock

Parry Sound, ON (May 21, 2024) – Those who enjoy using the Town dock located in the heart of Parry Sound’s harbour will be excited to learn the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) will be spending approximately $196,000 later this year to address Priority 1 items relating to the safety of the dock for users.

The Condition Assessment report identified four (4) Priority areas. Priority 1 repairs total $196,000 and should be completed immediately. Priority 2 repairs should be completed within 1 to 5 years and total approximately $625,000. Priority 3 repairs should be completed within 6 to 10 years and total $520,000. Priority 4 repairs should be completed within 11 to 15 years and total $6.7m. 

Priority 2 repairs must be completed in order for vessels/cruise ships larger than the Island Queen to use the dock. Staff are in discussions with the federal and provincial governments to investigate securing funding for Priority 2 repairs with the objective of undertaking the work at the earliest possible opportunity. Until the repairs are made alternatives are being explored.

The Town dock, leased from the federal government, is a busy port attracting visitors and Great Lakes cruise ships each year. Recognizing the importance of the dock to the enjoyment of the waterfront and the local economy the Town undertook a preliminary assessment in early 2023. Later in the fall Town staff approached DFO and requested a more in-depth assessment. DFO agreed and funded a comprehensive condition assessment. The Town received the report on April 15, 2024. 

“The Town Dock is a focal point of Parry Sound’s harbour and attracts thousands of visitors to the area each year,” said Parry Sound Mayor Jamie McGarvey. “We have a good working relationship with DFO and look forward to working with them to complete the immediate repairs and create a path forward to ensure the integrity of the dock moving forward.”

Cruising the Great Lakes is not new. With many unique places and historical sites to explore along the vast natural shoreline of the largest freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes have become a popular destination for cruise lovers over the years. With growth expected to continue, Parry Sound is uniquely positioned to benefit from the expansion of Great Lakes cruising, located on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay within the Georgian Bay Biosphere and in the heart of the 30,000 islands. The amenities in the area and its deep-water harbour continue to get the attention of the cruise ship industry. 

More information about the Town of Parry Sound and the Condition Assessment report can be found on the Town’s Web site.

About the Town of Parry Sound 

Located on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay, Parry Sound is easily accessible, a short 2-hour commute to the GTA, a 30-minute drive to the Parry Sound Area Municipal Airport and accessible by water from anywhere in the world.

For more information, contact: 

Dave Thompson
Director of Development and Protective Services
705-746-2101 ext. 305
dthompson@parrysound.ca