Rocky Point Boat Launch to re-open with restrictions and physical distancing measures in place
The Rocky Point Boat Launch will re-open on Sunday, April 19, 2020, by reservation only, to Port Moody residents and current annual pass holders. Restrictions and physical distancing measures will be in place to help slow down the spread of COVID-19.
The City closed the boat launch temporarily on April 9, 2020 due to anticipated high demand and the need to encourage people to stay two metres apart from anyone who is not a member of their household.
On April 14, 2020, Council decided to re-open the boat launch to local boaters on a trial basis with measures in place to encourage physical distancing.
Physical distancing measures will include:
- staggered launch times, available by reservation only, to allow for a maximum of two boats to be launched at a time between 8am and 12noon, seven days a week;
- daily restrictions on the number of boats that can be launched, with a maximum of 30 boats per day and a maximum of 30 spaces available for trailer parking;
- two lanes open on the boat ramp instead of three to create more distance between people as they prepare to launch; and
- implementation of a traffic management plan to reduce traffic congestion in and around the boat launch, trailer parking lot, and Esplanade Avenue.
The City will begin taking reservations for launch times on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at 8am. Bookings will be accepted up to two weeks in advance. Please note that reservations may be cancelled at any time if there is a change to the boat launch’s hours of operation. Annual boat launch passes are not available for purchase until further notice.
Port Moody residents and current annual pass holders who wish to book a launch time are asked to do the following:
- call 604-469-4556 between 8am and 4pm (seven days a week) to request a reservation;
- have your licence plate number and proof of residency (driver’s licence, B.C. ID, or vehicle insurance papers) on hand;
- have your credit card ready to pay the daily fee of $22.16 (subject to change);
- check your email for your reservation confirmation and further instructions; and
- when you arrive at the boat launch at your allotted time, show your reservation confirmation through your closed driver’s side window to the City staff person on site and then place it where it can be seen on your dashboard.
The Rocky Point Boat Launch will be open daily, until further notice, from 8am to 12noon to Port Moody boaters and annual pass holders with a reserved launch time and from 4pm-8pm for returning boats. It will be closed daily from 12noon to 4pm and overnight from 8pm to 8am.
City staff will monitor usage over the next two weeks and plan to provide Council with an update summarizing public demand for the boat launch and the effectiveness of the restrictions and physical distancing measures.
The City is continuously monitoring information about COVID-19 coming from public health authorities, and makes decisions about City services and facilities with the health and safety of its residents in mind. Visit portmoody.ca/covid19 to stay up-to-date on impacts to City services.