Carver Owners Forum

On May 1st, the Pride Marine Group had many staff on hand, at their official opening of Lagoon City Marina on Lake Simcoe. As the new operators, they seem to be getting quickly organized, and the management and staff were very approachable and helpful. There are over 270 slips in Lagoon City, with many anxious boaters still waiting for this season's launch. Mr. Roger Moore is the new site manager.

A familiar face to many in the boating community, Mr. Brian Berriault, previously of Midland's Bay Port Marina, has joined the Pride Group at the Lagoon City location. I watched Brian giving personal direction to a crewmember, and careful attention, as the travel lift launched a large vessel. Obviously, Brian is a pro.

If one can imagine taking over a previous marina operation [Crates of Keswick], where it has been locked up for the past five or six month, attempting to learn the location, clients, get the machinery working, the travel-lift which needed upgrading, etc., it would not be an easy task. That said, many fellow boaters I spoke with in my visit there this past weekend, had favourable comments on the new operator.

(The court appointed Receiver for bankrupt Crates Keswick, had control of the property until April 30th. Crates never owned Lagoon City Marina; they had a ten year lease from the property owner, a Toronto investment firm.)
I emphasize it was Crates Keswick that went into receivership; not to be confused with Crates Lake Country Boats Orillia, who was not affiliated with the Keswick business.

cheers all,

Steve

The comments I’m getting from members now who decided to wait until the dust settled is that not much has changed and they are still dissapointed with the service there. A huge learning curve I'm sure though for the new operators. The biggest chanlenge IMO will be convincing the ownership to fork out for improvements/repairs that are desperately needed. This was also a big challenge for Crates and is why the property has steadily gone down hill. After all, why would anybody put cash into improving a property they don’t own. I suspect if the owners don’t meet Pride half way, nothing will change.

We are now finding out just how bad a shape things were left in when Crates parted ways. Everything from no water at slips due to frozen lines, to cracked blocks from lack of winterizing. What a mess. Pride has their hands full! I wish them luck, it’s a nice marina and destination.