Canoe company gets green light for River Canard rentals
Canoes and kayaks will continue to launch off the River Canard shoreline after LaSalle council gave the OK for a rental business to keep operating.
Town councillors agreed Tuesday to a minor zoning change that will allow the River Canard Canoe Company to legally continue to rent non-motorized watercraft from the Malden Road business.
Ron LaPointe, who also runs the River Canard Outpost at Malden and North Townline roads, must meet a number of requirements, including getting approval from the Essex Region Conservation Authority for a new launch area.
Planning consultant Paul Bezaire, representing LaPointe, told council the business owner was “anxious to make the improvements.”
LaPointe ran into difficulties with the town once before over his canoe and kayak rental business. Several years ago, he was told he could not operate his business from his home, located further south on Malden Road, due to zoning restrictions.
His current business runs out of a leased building that also houses an apartment and an automotive service garage and towing and storage compound.
He has direct access to the Canard River via an adjacent property.
Mayor Ken Antaya said his primary concern is that the site is safe for motorists and pedestrians.
“The applicant doesn’t have a great track record with the Town of LaSalle,” Antaya said. “I traverse that area quite frequently and I still fail to see how we’ve made it safe.”
Larry Silani, director of planning and development services, said the town can enforce the site plan agreement and the county has authority over the road and will enforce any infractions.
Additional parking spaces will be added to an off-street lot.
The new canoe launch area will be north of the building on Malden Road in an area approved by ERCA.
No new buildings or structures are allowed on the site.
An injunction against LaPointe has been put on hold pending the outcome of his application for rezoning. Town solicitor Christine Riley said the town will not enforce its injunction against LaPointe unless he doesn’t proceed with the application or if he defaults on any aspects. The injunction would shut the business down.