Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall has issued a directive to relocate jet-ski operations away from Rotary Island in response to ongoing community concerns about the protection of local wildlife. The move, announced on May 13, 2026, requires city staff to shift operations to a new zone between the Centennial Park water fountain and the Tiffin Street Boat Launch.
The decision follows a petition organized by local residents, which gathered more than 700 signatures. Those behind the petition expressed concern that jet-ski activity near the islands has led to a decrease in the bird population and negatively impacted fish spawning. The City of Barrie, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Barrie and the Ministry of Natural Resources, created the islands in 2000 as a habitat restoration project to improve shoreline conditions in Kempenfelt Bay.
The owner of Barrie Watersports, Shawn Talbot, stated that the company is grateful for the chance to continue providing boating experiences in Barrie and noted their commitment to local tourism. The relocation, along with any necessary infrastructure improvements, will be funded through the licensing fee revenues already paid by watercraft operators.
This directive overrides previous motions from the City of Barrie Council, which had permitted participating vendors to continue their operations through the 2026 season following a successful pilot project in 2025. City staff are currently working with the operators to complete the transition to the new, designated area along the south shore.
