Val-des-Monts powerboat fees sharply increase

The fee to use a powerboat with a hefty motor in Val-des-Monts lakes with public docks has jumped to a whopping $120 per day except for residents of the municipality, who are only subject to a $60 fee per year.

The cost used to be $150 per season for non-residents to launch boats with motors that aremore than100horsepower, while it was free for residents.

Val-des-Monts Coun. Claude Bergeron said the change in fees comesafter public consultations.

The new fees, which vary depending on the size of the motor,fall in line with other municipalities, he said.

Bergeronsaid the move was not meant to keep those who don't live inVal-des-Montsoff the municipality's more than 120 lakes. OnlyLakeMcGregorand Lake Saint-Pierre have public docks.

"We're not chasing them away, we're aiming to control boating to protect the water quality of our lakes for future generations," he said, adding that residents complained they could barely use lakes with public dockson weekends because there were too many boats.

Bergeronemphasized that it's free for everyone to use non-motorized boats, and minimal for powerboats that use 10 horsepower or less ($5 annually for residents, $10 per dayfor non-residents).

Right way to tackle problem?

BrianHepburnsaid weekendsbring in lots of boaters to LakeMcGregor, which can be unsafe. The $60 peryear fee is not ideal, but he's willing to pay it for a better boating experience.

"As a cottager on the lake, I'm happy because I think it will reduce some of the traffic," he said.

Val-des-Monts resident Simon Germain supports banning access to big boats with hefty motors but doesn't feel "exorbitant prices" is the right move especially chargingresidents.

The municipality had"good intentions" to protect the lakes,addedVal-des-Montsresident LucLanoix, but he wondered if it wouldlimit the number oftourists and boaters who aren't well-off financially.