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Boat launches get busy
City aiming to relieve trailer congestion

John McFadden
Northern News Services
Published Thursday, July 2, 2014

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
When long-time Yellowknifer George Farrell’s trailer is loaded with his boat, it’s about 24 feet long.

NNSL photo/graphic

Trucks and trailers take up whatever parking they can find after launching their boats at the City of Yellowknife boat launch in Back Bay. - Walter Strong/NNSL photo

Pulling into the Giant Mine boat launch on Back Bay is the natural choice for Farrell when he wants to enjoy a day on the water.

“It can be a little tricky in Old Town,” Farrell said of maneuvering his truck and trailer on narrow McDonald Drive, which is often lined with parked cars.

“I’ve used it once or twice, but that’s about it. It’s too much of a hassle.”

“Parking is the big thing,” Farrell added.

Craig Broome and Bret Harris unloaded their boat shortly after Farrell launched his.

“It’s a quick on and off here,” Broome said of the wide berth for a truck and trailer to turn around and back into the bay.

“There’s more room to turn around,” he said.

“And there’s usually good parking.”

Broome noted that Back Bay is more wide open once a boat is in the water. A boater doesn’t have to watch out for as much small craft water traffic, some of it related to the Old Town houseboats.

“You’re free and clear of houseboats here,” Broome said.

Meanwhile, congestion for vehicles with boat trailers in Old Town will likely remain a problem for the foreseeable future.

Jeff Humble, the city's director of planning and development, said new parking spaces created near the Government Dock and Pilot's Monument are not designed for vehicles with boat trailers.

There have reportedly been long lineups to launch boats at the Old Town launch already this summer.

Humble said there is a gravel parking lot next to the Great Slave Yacht Club on Wiley Road and the plan is to make it more accessible to cars and trucks hauling boat trailers.

Humble said there are future possibilities in Old Town to help ease the congestion and allow boaters to park closer to where they launch their boats.

“There are underused parcels of waterfront land in Old Town. The city is looking at possible leasing opportunities to help grow and evolve the boating experience.”

Humble says the city's harbour plan does address parking and congestion for vehicles with trailers in Old Town.

He said eventually there may be a marina built on land near Con Mine.

However, Humble said there are still many issues to be worked out with Newmont Mining, owners of Con Mine, and the territorial government.

Noel Hernandez was getting into a boat at the city launch in Old Town on Monday.

He said it's not the trailer parking that bothers him.

“There are too many boaters here that don't slow down near the launch,” he said.

“Once you're in your boat and pulling out, you have to be very careful to watch for other boats. Some of them are moving too fast with other boats in the area.”

Hernandez said he has never actually seen a collision but said there have been some close calls.

He said he thinks the launch in Old Town may be a disaster waiting to happen.

– with files from Walter Strong

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