A marina needs gas

Conundrum: A problem or puzzle which is difficult or impossible to solve.
That’s precisely what town council faces as it debates whether to remain in the fuel business at the Sorting Gap Marina.
On the one hand is Coun. Ken Perry’s argument that it doesn’t make sense to spend roughly $35,000 to repair the underground fuel tank there when the town only makes $2,000-$3,000 a year in gas sales to boaters.
But then, as CAO Mark McCaig questioned, is a marina without gas service merely “a glorified ice cream stand?”
In a tight budget year, with residents likely facing a tax hike of between 3.0 and 4.75 percent, about the last thing we need is a repair bill for $35,000 for something that doesn’t appear to be particularly well used—and especially given it probably would have to be fixed or replaced again in 10 years’ time. But simply getting out of the gas business at the Sorting Gap isn’t much of an option if it means fewer people will rent slips there and thus cost the town much-needed revenue.
An above ground fuel storage tank may prove to be cheaper, but after all the effort and money invested to beautify our waterfront along the La Verendrye Parkway, who would want to look at that? Certainly not those who live along that stretch.
A mobile fuel storage tank at least would alleviate aesthetic concerns, and perhaps safety ones, too.
Having private enterprise step in and run the gas service is not without its drawbacks, either. If, for instance, they find it’s not profitable enough and pull up shop, then the town is faced with having to take it over again or having a marina with no gas service.
The latter is no answer. The Sorting Gap is an asset to the community, both as a service to residents and a means to attract new people here. And if we’re ever going to promote the waterway route from Atikokan to Minaki, as was first envisioned, then some sort of gas service must be available there.
It entails an expense, but not providing it may prove more costly in the end.