Harney View Park
The park is available to all Harney View members. Please respect the privacy of our neighbors.
Table of Content
The Board has decided to build 2 additional kayak racks with 12 slots. Combined with the current racks, it will give us a glorious 4 racks with 24 slots.
- The site for the new racks will be prepared during our annual road maintenance in early spring, and the racks will be built as soon as possible. The upfront expense will be funded by borrowing from the general reserve and repaid from rental fees.
- The rental fees will be the same for all slots and based on the amount needed to repay the cost in a reasonable period. The repayment period will be decided when the final costs are available.
- The two existing kayak racks, built in 2023, were paid for by three “founders” and the founders’ prior financial contributions will be credited against their rental payments until consumed.
- For this year (2026) we will set the rental rate at $100, determined by the survey, because it will not be a full year and the actual cost will only be available when the last invoice is paid. Rent is due when the racks are completed. For 2027 and going forward, the annual rent will increase to at least $125, payable Jan 1, based on the amortization schedule set by the Board to repay the borrowed funds and cover maintenance costs.
- Until the new racks are built, members who already have their boats in the existing racks can leave them where they are.
- The number of racks that can be accommodated on the site is limited by the following criteria:
- The racks should be discreet, so they do not diminish the aesthetic of the park for other users.
- No trees will be cut down.
- The site should be level, to limit excavation and ground disturbance.
- Good access from the beach and room to maneuver large kayaks.
- The rental period is set to “annual” to streamline the rental process. It will also avoid a summer rush for slots, when everyone wants to use the facilities. The rental fee will be added to your annual assessment invoice.
- Kayak or similar, refers to watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, or sculls that will fit in the racks.
- All kayak slots will be set at the same rate for simplicity and fairness. Likewise, the rental for uncovered ground space will be the same for the dinghies.
- The 18 open slots will be awarded to the top 18 bids. The rental fee will be set based on the lowest of the 18 successful bids. That is: your rent will not be higher, but may be lower, than your commitment.
- If there are more potential renters than slots, we will establish a waiting list.
- There are 18 kayak slots available to rent. The total estimated cost is $15,000. Materials and excavation come to $11,000, but we expect the price of lumber to go up. This leaves $4,000 for building and landscaping. The cost of maintenance is not included in the estimate.
- Six slots will be set aside for the donors who paid for the current racks. Those racks are not included in the 18 slots that are open for bidding.
- A higher rental fee will allow us to recover the capital and provide additional facilities sooner. Conversely, at very low rental rates, the bulk of the money will go into maintenance. We do not feel it is fiscally responsible to take more than 10 years to recover capital.
- Any excess rental income will fund additional facilities.
- The plans for the uncovered ground space for dinghies depend on demand. The criteria are the same as for kayak racks with the following additions:
- Users should be able to store their dinghies by hand. This requires that the racks be low and accessible, so the boats can be lifted from two sides.
- There should be some racks or rails to keep the dinghies out of the dirt.
- No trailers or wheeled vehicles are allowed.
- Please let us know if you have specific requirements or ideas how to organize the dinghy storage.
- The plan to provide dedicated uncovered space for dinghies depends on demand.
- The criteria are the same as for kayak racks with the following additions:
- Users should be able to store their dinghies by hand. This requires that the racks be low and accessible, so the boats can be lifted from two sides.
- There should be some racks or rails to keep the dinghies out of the dirt.
- No trailers or wheeled vehicles are allowed.
- Please let us know if you have specific requirements or ideas how to organize the dinghy storage.
Picnic Area
Comments from attendees at our thursday evening get-togethers last summer made it painfully obvious that they, the old picnic tables, needed to be replaced. The new tables are made to the same dimensions and of the same materials as the old ones, except for the absence of splinters and protruding nails.
Thanks to: Jacques, Gord and Stewart
Brush Clearing
The dense brush above the parking areas was cleared to provide access to the landscape, remove invasive vegetation, and reduce the fire risk. It is now a beautiful park-scape with more light and glimpses of the bay beyond.
The funds for this substantial project were provided by a generous property owner who wishes to remain anonymous.
Before-and-after images of the work