News: Municipality Shocks Marina Members and Leaves Them in a Bind!
July 10, 2025
By Marc Robic
To the surprise and shock of many Quebec boaters, the municipality of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, west of Montreal, has recently passed a new regulation prohibiting all boats at the renowned Valleyfield Marina from storing their vessels on land during the winter. This will be effective fall of 2026.
As many of these boats, power and sail, are large, the cost alone of having them transported to another site will be extremely prohibitive. With most of the local or nearby marinas and yacht clubs already maxed out for space, members of the Valleyfield Marina will be left with very few options. Many are saying they will have to sell their boats.
In a recent post by the municipality, it claims it wants to simply provide access to the public on this land, which it owns, and link the access to another adjacent park.
No public or private consultation with the marina operators or its members has taken place prior to this decision. Marina members, boat owners and local residents have started an online petition to hopefully convince the municipality leaders to reverse this decision.
As can be seen on this picture, boats are stored on land along the harbour edge, providing easy access to the water’s edge for citizens along the boardwalk and the adjacent park, even in winter.
Valleyfield Marina – Winter storage 840.jpg Caption: winter storage still leaves plenty of access
With well over 400 slips, the Valleyfield Marina is among the largest marinas in Quebec. Located along the St-Lawrence Seaway, between Montreal and the Thousand Islands, the Valleyfield Marina welcomes transient sailors and boaters from around the world as well as maintaining a large and loyal membership.
All operational costs are paid for by the members and guests, with non-Valleyfield resident members also paying an extra charge.
For members, the big concern and disappointment was not being consulted or heard by the municipal council beforehand.
Use this link to view and sign the petition:
More about the Valleyfield Marina here:
