WINTER 2018-2019 NEWSLETTER
As the snow piled up on boats and docks in the harbour on October 3, it was clear that fall was over and winter would arrive early. Due to the weather, the water in the harbour was shut down on October 11, and the few remaining hearty boaters were inspired to call it a season.
Fishers, on the other hand, were still busy pulling nets and cleaning catch in a run up to the end of the fall fishing season on October 31. It was a miserably cold and windy fishing season for them. We hope everyone got a good supply of pickerel in the freezer, thanks to our fishers.
The GHA Harbour Office officially closed October 15, although staff was busy finishing up tasks through November to tuck the harbour in for the winter. Garbage and recycling containers around the GHA property have been decommissioned for the season. If visiting the harbour area, please dispose of garbage and recyclables in the RM of Gimli receptacles adjacent to the harbour property. The Main Pier will be plowed to provide access to the Namao for the winter. Visitors are welcome to walk on the pier and around the Harbour property throughout the winter but do so at their own risk.
THE GHA OFFERS NEW SERVICES IN THE SPRING 2019
The Gimli Harbour Authority (GHA) will be offering craning services to boaters beginning in the spring of 2019. The craning service can be used to launch boats and hoist masts in the spring, and demast and lift boats in the fall. Boaters will be required to provide their own licenced trailer, and be present to assist with the boat. Outdoor storage for boats will be available in the South parking lot beginning the winter of 2019-2020. Also, we are working on re-establishing a dockside pump out service. Visit the Harbour Office when it reopens in April 2019 for more details.
IMPORTANT NOTICES ABOUT THE HARBOUR THIS WINTER
Harbour Hill Path
Harbour Hill path will not be maintained during the winter. Without staff to maintain and monitor the condition of the path around Harbour Hill, it may become unsafe and dangerous to users over the winter. Therefore, the Harbour Authority is notifying users of the potential danger and that they use the path at their own risk.
No Vehicle Access Through the Harbour to the Lake
This year, the Gimli Harbour Authority will not be providing a vehicle access point to the lake through the harbour due to general safety concerns, use of the harbour for community events, and damage caused to docks in the past. Last year a new dock was significantly damaged by a vehicle and had to be replaced. Anyone with any knowledge of this accident should contact Gimli RCMP.
The RM of Gimli is constructing and maintaining a winter road off Goldfield Drive to provide vehicle access to the lake. A second access point may be provided in the south bay. Check the RM website at www.rmgimli.ca for more information.
WINTER ACTIVITIES IN THE HARBOUR
Not surprisingly, interest in winter activities in Gimli has been growing over the past several years with events like the Mercedes AMG Winter Driving Academy, Gimli Ice Festival and the Gimli Community Development Corporation (CDC) Fishing Derby. The colourful shacks of recreational ice fishers form lively communities on the ice outside the harbour from freeze up to spring thaw.
The Gimli Harbour Authority is working in cooperation with the RM of Gimli, Gimli CDC and other community organizations to promote winter tourism in Gimli. Visitors are welcome to walk around the property and attend community events, but do so at their own risk. Licences and user agreements with these organizations are arranged with the Gimli Harbour Authority in advance of their events so everything is in place when it comes time for them to use the GHA facilities and property.
HAVE A GREAT WINTER EVERYONE. SEE YOU IN THE APRIL