Things change on the waterfront…
Oct 13, 2022
Forgive my being Toronto-centric for a moment. A note appeared in my inbox the other day, announcing that Navy Point Yacht Sales is moving. The multi-faceted brokerage is off to the Outer Harbour Marina, a very lovely facility across town on the east side of TO. That in itself might not be noteworthy except that Navy Point has been one of the bustling row of brokers in Port Credit, on the west side of the big (former) marina building that housed Bristol Marine.
It’s kind of a sad thing to watch brokers go from what, for a long time, was the primary boating destination in the GTA area. Last year, Bristol, which had been the most recent successor to the facility that made its reputation as the C&C shop closed up forever. C&C had launched, outfitted, and repaired innumerable boats, both sail and power, over the years and when they closed down, the torch was passed to the individuals who worked there, most recently Bristol Marine. Our friend, Nick Bailey, for example, had been a C&C guy and remained at his high-traffic desk at Bristol until the very end, when it was announced that Port Credit Harbour is going to be developed for condos. Just what we need, more high-end condos!!!
What we really do need is a marine facility with the capability of Bristol. Boaters are scrambling to find repairs, sending them to smaller facilities like Wiggers located east of Toronto in Port Darlington or MacDonald Marine in Hamilton (now also closed). Alas, the re-development phrenzy has even reached Hamilton. It’s no surprise really – the slag and industrial landscape is really too inviting to let it remain. Hamilton is already showing its hidden splendour as the industrial properties retreat from what is now a verdant shoreline, being prepped right now for the Pier 8 development.
Gentrification going on everywhere on the waterfront and if it hasn’t yet come to yours, be prepared. What a conundrum – do we prefer a gorgeous waterfront with slick residences and tony eateries, or would we prefer the shambles shorelines of old where you had to watch for stray angle iron protruding from the pier. Me, I like both, so we will have to see what happens next.
Photo caption. As we reported last November Port Credit Harbour is destined for greater things – Navy Point’s move is just the latest
John Morris
Online Editor
Canadian Yachting Magazine
CYonboard@kerrwil.com
