Can you take the boat out? That seems to depend where you are in Ontario

Another discrepancy in the provinces' stay-at-home order has been brought to light in cottage country as some towns are able to go boating and fishing - while most others aren't.

Under the provincial rules, marinas may now only repair or service boats and launch them in the water but then leave them secured to a dock until open to the public. Marinas can also help individuals access their property, support government operations or support the transportation of items by commercial barges.

However, in the Town of South Bruce Peninsula, a public notice was issued to clarify that boat launches and fishing from public land docks or piers may actually remain open.

Bill Jones, chief administrative officer for the town, told the Star their decision to alter provincial regulations was directed by the Grey Bruce Health Unit. Jones said they refer to their local health unit to help decipher the regulations."

For Little Red Bay Marina in Wiarton, a community of South Bruce Peninsula, their boat launch is open and available for use.

Boating and fishing is a safe outdoor activity that by nature has minimal contact with other people," marina manager Darcy Bennett said.

The boat launch at Sauble River Marina & Resort is also open, according to resort owner Charlene Reinhart. The launch at the marina is owned by the Town of South Bruce Peninsula, which closed it down for one day before reopening after clarifications were made.

Almost four hours away in Norfolk County, Robyn Hanson and Derek May, owners of Sandboy Marina, are concerned" the same changes haven't been implemented where they live.

While fishing is a large part of outdoor recreation in the county, Hanson also told the Star that families launch their boats at their marina to fish and put food on the dinner table.

Fishing here is really a way of life," Hanson said.

Jarah Stefek, a communications officer for Norfolk County, told the Star their interpretation of the provincial order is that boat launches must be closed. Stefek also said they have discussed the issue with local MPP Toby Barrett and are in communication with his office.

As a county, we are ensuring there are plenty of outdoor options available for our residents during the stay-at-home order, such as trails and parks," Stefek said.

Brad Thomson, general manager at Norfolk County's Macdonald Turkey Point Marina, also said many people fish off boats this time of year also to provide food. Thomson believes Norfolk should follow in South Bruce Peninsula's footsteps.

That to me set a precedent that if one municipality can work with area marinas and boat ramps, why can't they all," Thomson said.

Marshall Collins, who owns Collins Harbour Marina on Lake Erie, said they've gated up their boat launch to restrict access while they're required to stay closed and that customers have begun asking for their money back.

It's really tough to recoup from this," Collins told the Star. Boating and boat ramps are a good outlet and a reasonably safe one."

In Toronto, a spokesperson for public health told the Star clarifying the ban on outdoor amenities in the city is under discussion."

Coun. Brad Bradvord (Ward 19-Beaches East York) sent a letter to Premier Doug Ford on Thursday asking for a clear plan to safely restart sports and community recreation."

Irelyne Lavery is a Toronto-based staff reporter for the Star. Reach her via email: ilavery@thestar.ca