Ex-Anderdon reeve joins fight against Ranta Marina sale

Lloyd Bondy holds press conference at K of C Hall in Amherstburg

Posted By Ron Giofu/The Amherstburg Echo

Posted 19 days ago

AMHERSTBURG — Lloyd Bondy said he couldn't sit on the sidelines any longer.

The former Anderdon Township reeve held a press conference last Wednesday night at the Knights of Columbus Hall, as he was reeve when Ranta Marina was first created. Joined by his deputy reeve Martin Beneteau, the pair recalled how the marina came to be and why they are against its sale.

Bondy said when the marina was first developed, it was done so on the condition that it stays as public recreational lands and not become privatized. Bondy also questioned the legality of the sale because he said the intent was for it to remain public lands.

"It's a jewel," said Bondy. "All it needs is some polishing."

According to Bondy, a residential/canal plan of Walter Ranta's in the early 1980s didn't materialize due the land having brine wells underneath and the proximity of an Allied Chemical operation nearby. Allied Chemical eventually bought the property from Ranta for $225,000. Allied then sold it to Anderdon Township for $1, with Bondy stating he paid the $1 out of his own pocket.

Eugene Whelan, then a Liberal cabinet minister, offered $1 million for the development of the marina but when the Liberals lost the ensuing election, Bondy said it took a trip to Ottawa to secure the cash.

Further government money and donations from Lisa Ranta Chappus helped to develop and maintain the marina.

"I made a promise to Walter Ranta, Lisa Ranta Chappus and Allied Chemical. I don't want to go back on my word," said Bondy. "I hope council and Mayor Hurst re-consider."

Bondy said the marina's location makes sense because it offers a spot to park 50-60 boat trailers. He said he will join with the rest of the marina proponents to "put pressure on the mayor and council" but notes he has no interest in re-entering municipal politics. With next year being an election year, Bondy suggested the matter be put on the ballot.

"I wake up during the night because of this," said Bondy. "I want to make sure it stays in public hands. We're going to put up a fight."

"We're going to fight the fight," added Ranta Marina Boaters' Association president Ron Sutherland.

Sutherland they are putting "council on notice" and said they plan on making things "uncomfortable" for the developer as well.

Beneteau said Allied Chemical – now known as General Chemical –told them the land couldn't be built on due to the underground brine wells. He didn't see how the proposed condominium plan could be realized should the deal to sell the marina be closed.

"I don't see how they can do it," said Beneteau.

Beneteau noted his family farmed lands near the marina adding that he is proud the marina is there.

"I don't blame the developer. He's a smart businessman," added Bondy.

Whelan wasn't able to attend Wednesday's press conference, but continued to be critical of the sale through a letter that was read aloud by former councillor Gord Freeman. Whelan wrote that Ranta Marina "provides recreational opportunities for the whole family" and that a recreational opportunity "means more than a place to play hockey, ball or skate." Whelan suggested that since Ranta Marina already exists, it needs "to be developed and marketed properly.

"Much family-based recreation is possible at this facility but the opportunities have never been explored," stated Whelan.

The town voted Oct. 13 to accept an offer from Rob Delicata in trust in the amount of $584,000 to purchase Ranta Marina.