Pete Pettersen Boat Launch

Pete Pettersen Boat Launch

Address: 159 Marina Park Avenue
GPS Coordinates: -79.89888, 44.75670

Midland’s Pete Pettersen Boat Launch offers easy public access to southern Georgian Bay, serving as a convenient and scenic starting point for boating, fishing, and exploring the nearby Thirty Thousand Islands.

Changes to boat launch access came into effect on May 1, 2026. Launch permits are required to use the launch, and permits include parking (as available) for the duration of permit validity. The boat launch parking lot is reserved for trailer parking only.

Boat launch permit requirements at the Pete Pettersen Boat Launch are not currently being enforced. Enforcement will resume on May 1, 2027.

Permit Types & Fees

Permit Type for Residents Fee
Season Resident Boat Launch Permit Free 
Permit Type for Non-Residents & Commercial Businesses Fee
Daily Permit $40 + HST
3-Day Permit $75 + HST
Weekly (7-day) Permit $100 + HST 
Season Permit (May 1 to Oct. 31) $250 + HST

Related: April 2026 staff report regarding boat launch user fees

Boat Launch Terms of Use

  • The boat launch is unsupervised.  Use at own risk.
  • Children must be supervised at all times.
  • No fishing, swimming, jumping, or diving from docks or piers. 
  • As a Clean Marine facility, we encourage eco‑friendly boating practices:
    • Do not spill fuel, oil, sewage, or chemicals on docks or in the water. Report any spills to the Harbour Office by calling 705-526-4610 immediately.
    • Use the garbage and recycling bins provided. Only household waste may be disposed of on site; all other materials must be taken to proper facilities.

Parking

Launch permits include parking (as available) in the Pete Pettersen Boat Launch parking lot for the duration of your permit. Vehicles in violation may be ticketed or removed. Key parking rules, as per the Parking By-law:

  • Permit required: You must have a valid launch permit to park in the lot. All boat launch permits are non-transferrable and tied to the vehicle (i.e. licence plate) to which they're registered. 
  • Trailer parking only: This lot is for vehicles with trailers actively using the launch. The tow vehicle and trailer are expected to remain together as a single parked unit (you cannot detach a trailer and leave it parked on its own). 
  • Parking duration: Parking is allowed for the length of your launch permit (daily, multi-day, weekly, or seasonal), subject to availability.
  • Overnight parking: Permitted May 1 to October 31 with a valid launch permit, for up to 7 consecutive days.
  • Follow signage: Always obey posted signs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

All boat launch permits are non-transferrable and tied to the vehicle (i.e. licence plate) to which they're registered. For non-commercial permits, you must complete separate application forms for each vehicle if you want each vehicle to have a valid permit.

Commercial launch permits are handled in person at the Midland Harbour Office exclusively. Located at 165 King Street, the Midland Harbour Office is open 8am–6:30pm daily, May 1 to October 31. Please call 705-526-4610 or email harbour@midland.ca with any questions.

There is no limit to the number of resident boat launch permits a resident may obtain in a single season (May 1–Oct. 31), provided that proof of vehicle ownership is submitted and matches the name on the proof of residency.

Placing the Season's Resident Boat Launch Permit sticker on your windshield will help by-law enforcement officers when patrolling the area.

Your information (licence plate, vehicle, and confirmation that proof of residency and vehicle ownership was provided) is also stored in our system for lookup from enforcement officers, so displaying the sticker is not mandatory.

Proof of residency can include a driver's licence, utility or water bill from within the last 60 days, cell phone bill from within the last 60 days, or tax bill from current year. 

By-law enforcement officers patrol the parking lot and the launch site to confirm permit validity, using a mobile app to confirm whether a licence plate has a valid permit. 

While displaying your Season’s Resident Boat Launch Permit sticker or a non-resident permit receipt on the windshield or dashboard is helpful, officers verify permits using only the licence plate.

As long as the proof of residency and proof of vehicle ownership are valid and the name on both documents corresponds with the permit application, the vehicle owner does not need to be present to obtain the resident permit.

Please refer to SCHEDULE “A” of the Parking By-law for the current set fine.

A sunlit waterfront boat launch with wooden docks, calm water, and marina boats in the background. Trees frame the scene, and a beam of sunlight streaks across the image during golden hour.

Related Links

Boat Launch Permit Application Form
Marine Forecasts and Warnings for Canada
Boating Safety
Clean Marine Program
Municipal Dock By-law

Contact Us

In season: 705-526-4610
Off season: 705-526-9395
Email: harbour@midland.ca