Thank you.

My name is Ron Bankes. I live in Port Rowan, Ontario, and I've operated my business here in Port Rowan for 37 years. While operating my boat building and restoration business, I was a frequent user of the Port Rowan Harbour Marina.

Today, I'm representing the Port Rowan Harbour Committee. It's a volunteer committee, and our purpose is to work with Norfolk County to ensure the preservation and enhancement of the Port Rowan Harbour Marina as a public resource that is accessible, sustainable and beautiful for the enjoyment and well-being of the community and visitors alike.

This is a very unique waterfront property in Norfolk that offers full public access while still maintaining the commercial and cultural aspects of its operations as it has for many generations. The park area of the harbour is used by the public to host a three-day Bayfest celebration, farmers markets in the fall every Friday afternoon, prayer services on Sunday mornings from May through September and the occasional concert in the park.

Norfolk County has a detailed report outlining items they feel need to be accomplished to maintain the operation of the harbour over the upcoming years. Most important is dredging of the harbour so boaters will have safe access to the marina. Improving the launch ramp and improving transient dockage would attract more boaters to the harbour, and we recognize the importance of the harbour marina facility to Port Rowan and all of Norfolk County.

In short, there is no shortage of interest, suggestions or willingness from volunteer groups such as the Lions Club and others to accomplish these goals; there is only a lack of funding for infrastructure projects.

We support Norfolk in all aspects of fundraising and offer whatever assistance this committee can while developing the policies that will ensure public ownership and access while maintaining the safe operation of this valuable resource for many generations to come.

Basically, I am just speaking about the Port Rowan Harbour and a little bit of its history.