Port Maitland Pier Dock Boat Launch undergoing facelift this summer, closed July 14 to August 22, 2025

The Port Maitland Pier Dock Boat Launch is getting a much-needed facelift this summer. The popular launch was damaged as a result of high water in recent years and will be closed for repairs from July 14 until approximately August 22, 2025.

Work includes removing and replacing the precast concrete block wall, the dock cap, two precast concrete panels in the boat ramp, the floating docks and the handrail on the precast block wall.

Contractors will be using the long boat launch trailer parking spaces as their staging area during repairs to minimize impacts to the parking lot. All other facilities, including the pier, Esplanade Park, and all of the second parking lot, will remain open while dock and boat launch repairs are underway. 

Boaters who regularly launch using the pier dock may instead use the boat launch at Port Maitland East Park (628 Feeder Canal Road, Lowbanks), east of the Grand River. A full list of public and private boat launches in Haldimand County is available at tourismhaldimand.ca.

The project’s strict timing window was determined in consultation with the Ministry of Natural Resources and must be completed in July/August in order to minimize impacts on local aquatic species.

Restricted activity timing windows are applied to protect fish from the impacts of works or undertakings in and around water during spawning migrations and other critical life history stages. In Ontario, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has the responsibility for setting timing window guidelines. 

While news of the temporary dock closure may be disappointing, residents and visitors are reminded to be patient and look forward to the end result of a significantly enhanced boat launch. Boaters are strongly encouraged to explore other areas of Haldimand and make use of the many other launch facilities available.