Midland residents get free access to popular boat launch starting Friday

Pete Pettersen Boat Launch in Midland, Ont. (Town of Midland)

Midland residents will be able to hit the water for free this boating season under new changes approved by town council.

Starting Fri., May 1, boaters with a valid permit can use the Pete Pettersen Boat Launch at no cost, while new launch and parking fees will apply to non-residents and commercial users.

“The changes follow a review of boat launch operations and are intended to improve access for residents while maintaining cost recovery from visitors and commercial users,” stated the town in a release.

New fee structure

Under the new fee structure, non-resident and commercial users will pay $40 for a daily permit, $75 for a three-day permit, $100 for a weekly permit and $250 for a seasonal permit.

Permits will be available online through the Town of Midland website.

Council has also approved updates to the town’s parking bylaw to clarify where parking is allowed in the boat launch and harbour areas.

Midland’s Pete Pettersen Boat Launch offers public access to southern Georgian Bay, serving as a scenic starting point for boating, fishing and exploring the nearby Thirty Thousand Islands.