In November of 2008 counsellors with the Town of Gravenhurst announced a proposal to raise funding for construction to improve the boat launch facilities near the Town wharf. After an impressive $50 million waterfront development project transformed Gravenhurst’s tired old wharf into a beautiful tourist destination, it seems budgeting for boat ramp construction was not included. To mend this oversight, a launch fee of $10 in and $10 out would be collected by an attendant. The cumulative revenues would be used to improve and maintain the boat launching facility and bring it and adjacent parking up to high standards associated with the rest of the waterfront.
When Gravenhurst residents and long time members of the Muskoka Bassmaster Shane Ratcliff and Gary Franklin became aware of the town proposed launch fee they quickly notified Dave Rochette, the clubs founder and asked him to act on behalf of the club. Dave went to work with a counter argument to reverse the initiative. They knew that the proposed fee would not only alienate members of the OBFN but that it would also deter other tournament groups as well as recreational anglers and boaters from coming to the Muskoka region. With another OBFN Qualifier Tournament slated for Gravenhurst and Lake Muskoka in August, Dave had the impetus to try and reverse the proposed fee not just for his organization but for all anglers and boaters.
On February 27, 2009 Dave addressed the Gravenhurst Town Council with a comprehensive statement that exposed the true value of the free launch to the Town and the impact that free launch has on the local economy. Using the economic impact survey results from the 2007 OBFN Hank Gibson Provincial Qualifier prepared by the Ontario BASS Federation Nation, Dave pointed out that the launch was at the hub of significant spending by his group. He reported that the average spending by each angler to compete in this tournaments was $780. The 105 who fished contributed $81,900 l directly into the local economy and that (with a modest 3.0 multiplier) they brought in a total economic benefit to the local community of $245,700.
Dave revealed to Town Council that a free launch is the carrot that brings anglers and tournament associations into local communities like Gravenhurst. “Anglers who frequent the community and our beautiful waterfront will simply find somewhere else to launch”, he told Council. He pointed out that the $20 proposed fee may not appear to be too outrageous to councillors and for the occasional angler or boater who may visit the waterfront only once or twice per year. However for tournament organizations or anglers who frequent the lake more often, finding a free launch is imperative and often the deciding factor when deciding where to fish.
OBFN Conservation and Media Director Wil Wegman was also contacted and was asked to write a letter to the Town. In the letter addressed to Mayor John Klinck and several councillors Wil pointed out that “free public access” to public waters is a core principle the OBFN feels strongly about. He remarked that anglers fully expect to pay launch fees at private marinas and resorts when they choose to use these facilities but commented that restricting access by imposing a fee at a public launch site to public waters is not acceptable.
In front of Town Council, Dave continued by reiterating that although the launch fee might be an considered a minor expense compared to the total cost of a day on Muskoka, that the free launch was the catalyst that brought those anglers to the community. Once the anglers arrive in the community, they freely open their wallets to pay for fuel, food, beverages, tackle, accommodations and other sundry expenses associated with their visit. These economic benefits would all be in jeopardy Dave explained if the Town continued with their proposed launch fee. This was the main thrust of Dave’s argument.
It appears that Council members were not only listening, they were nodding their heads in agreement. On February 27, 2009, the Town of Gravenhurst reversed its position to charge a fee to the public who wanted to launch a boat to go fishing, sailing, water skiing, or touring on beautiful Lake Muskoka . “NO FEES WOULD BE IMPOSED” Rochette was told!
Ontario BASS Federation Nation Wins Major Battle for All Anglers and Boaters in Muskoka
Members of the Ontario B.A.S.S. Federation Nation know Dave Rochette as one of the premier tournament anglers in our community. He has qualified for Team Ontario (4) times and is the founder of the Muskoka Bassmasters. Dave is also the owner/operator of 'Northern Exposure Pewter'.
The Bracebridge based club has an exceptionally high percentage of skilled bass anglers who can be a factor on any waters they compete on. They are also very involved in the community, both land and water. Their conservation efforts in cooperation with the MNR not only have made a positive impact for tournament bass anglers but for all recreational anglers. One of their most outstanding projects was the creation of a walleye spawning shoal that has subsequently rejuvenated a deteriorating walleye fishery and has helped set the stage to transform Lake Muskoka into a little known yet productive walleye lake.
Mike Walsh, president of the Muskoka Bassmasters concluded by saying, “I am extremely proud of the efforts lead by Dave Rochette and the Muskoka Bassmaster to reverse this decision. This seemingly small issue would have had enormous financial repercussions on the local economy and anglers over a long period. Credit must be given to the members of the Gravenhurst Town Council for weighing the evidence and making decisions based on the overall health of the community. During difficult economic times like this, it could have been easy to allow the idea of short term revenue streams to cloud the big picture. We hope other townships are taking note because our hats are certainly off to Town Council and the City of Gravenhurst as we look forward to another exciting season on beautiful Lake Muskoka” .
For more information on the Muskoka Bassmasters please visit: www.muskokabassmasters.com
For more information or to join an Ontario B.A.S.S. Federation Nation club near please visit: www.ontariobass.com
Prepared By: John Whyte, OBFN Vice President
jw@timeonthewater.org
Dave Rochette founder of the Muskoka Bassmasters
