Jet ski rental business pitched for Colchester Harbour

A community meeting was held over the weekend regarding whether to allow a jet ski business to operate in Colchester Harbour. CTV's Robert Lothian reports.

Boat owners frequenting Colchester Harbour have mixed feelings about a new business proposal on their docks.

A community meeting at the Camoes Portuguese Club of Harrow on Saturday heard residents weigh in on a jet ski rental business potentially opening this year.

The proposal would see Jet Wave Inc. lease berth space at the harbour for one year if they receive the approvals from the Town of Essex.

Concerns

Owning a slip on Dock D, David Wye raised concerns about the business becoming his new neighbour.

“My concerns are that it’s going to bring in more traffic to the dock, and the docks are used for recreational time for us,” Wye told CTV News. “They’ve turned our dock into a commercial dock for making extra money running jet skis.”

Wye said the slip can already be problematic for those who jet ski, and he’s worried about security.

“I mean, I’m just not sure how they’re going to do, and I think it’s just going to be an inconvenience for us,” he added.

An anonymous vote at the end of the meeting received 26 votes. The results included 16 people in favour of the business, eight people who opposed it, and two people who said maybe.

Among those open to the proposal is Kingsville’s Chris DelBen, who keeps his boat in Colchester Harbour.

His support came despite unease over the added congestion on the waterways.

“I’ve already had problems with jet skiers before, not understanding the rules and understanding right of way, that’s been a big problem,” DelBen said.

By the end of the meeting, the boater said he felt confident the business intends to do things “the right way,” and include the proper safety measures.

“If it’s done correctly, it will be a benefit for the town, for the restaurants, downtown, and for the people, you know, all around,” he said.

The pitch

Throughout Saturday’s meeting, Hasan ElBasiouni and Haider Al-Twaini, co-owners of Jet Wave Inc., fielded questions about safety, parking, the environment, and their business plan.

On-site, three jet skis will be available for rental, six days a week, and a fourth jet ski will be reserved for the operators in the event of an emergency.

Living in Windsor, the business owners say they’ve spent a lot of time in Colchester before realizing there was an opportunity to provide a new form of entertainment.

“When I was a kid, I always wanted to have a jet ski. My dad was very opposed to this idea, but even I didn’t have money to buy one, and we didn’t have any rentals closer to us that we could rent jet skis from,” ElBasiouni said.

To rent a jet ski, ElBasiouni and Al-Twaini explained users will have to obtain a temporary Ontario boating license and watch a safety tutorial.

Before boarding, an additional demonstration will be provided, including information on the harbour and nearby beach.

“We have trackers all over the jet skis, so we can always monitor where they go. We have walkie-talkies mounted to them so we can talk to whoever will be on board,” ElBasiouni explained.

A kill switch is also included in the vehicles to ensure they can be stopped remotely if they’re approaching a restricted area.

They admitted accidents are bound to happen, but they will implement all measures possible to ensure users are being safe.

After hearing from residents, the business owners said they will also look at limiting the speeds of the equipment.

“That’s why we’re here actually, to hear what people have to say, and that’s a great idea that we’re going to apply,” he said.

If they receive the final approvals, the plan is to begin setting up shop, launch a website, and tow in the jet skis.

Council decision

On Monday night, Essex Town Council is expected to decide on whether to give the bylaw a second and third reading, essentially allowing the business to move forward.

Sherry Bondy, the town’s mayor, said she was happy to see a strong turnout from residents and harbour users.

“At the beginning, it felt like, you know, more people were against, and then at the end, we did a little vote, and more people were in favour, so I’m kind of shocked,” Bondy said.

Due to the nature of the lease, a one-year term, Bondy said it could give them an opportunity to try it out and cut ties if it isn’t working.

“We want to attract people to our area. We also need to make sure that we’re balancing, you know, the peace and tranquillity of the harbour with people who use it like summer cottages,” she explained.

For people unable to afford a watercraft, the mayor added the business could draw more people to the harbour, who otherwise might not visit.

Essex council will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday.