Fewer boats are being seen on the Ottawa River this summer, as rising fuel prices prompt some boaters to cut back on trips, shorten outings or slow down to save on gas. For many, the cost of getting out on the water is starting to outweigh the escape it provides. For Bob and Caralan Dams, a day on the water is still worth it, even if it now comes with a higher price tag. “As soon as you hit the water, you can feel your heart rate drop and enjoyment levels go up,” Bob Dams said after docking in Hurst Marina. The Dams say they aren’t letting higher prices keep them tied to the dock, even after paying $226 to fill their boat with premium fuel last week. “We fill ours up once every few weeks, so it’s not hitting us too hard in terms of boating,” said Dams. “We expect it as part of the expensive hobby of boating.” Premium marine fuel at Hurst Marina is selling for $2.38 a litre over the weekend, while diesel was priced at $2.48 a litre. Noel Klassen, who works at the marina, says the season got off to a slower start than usual, with fuel costs playing a role. “It’s hard for a lot of boaters to want to be out especially when they see what our prices are,” Klassen said. “A lot of people were a little bit hesitant.” While business has picked up with warmer weather, Klassen says the marina has yet to see the same volume of boat traffic as in previous summers. Boater Mike Hapke says the higher prices haven’t stopped him from getting out on the water, but he has noticed fewer boats on the river this season. “I happen to live along the river here, and it’s been a lot quieter,” Hapke said. “We’ve noticed a big difference, for sure.” Ottawa drivers are continuing to feel the impact at the pump. According Canadians for Affordable Energy president Dan McTeague, the average price of gas in the city on Saturday was just under $1.86 a litre and prices have risen more than 50 cents since the beginning of the year, adding to the cost of both summer road trips and weekends on the water. Despite the rising costs, the Dams say they have no plans to park the boat for the summer. Instead, they’ll continue doing what they enjoy most, just a little differently. “We’ll just come out once a week like we do and go for a little doodle down the river,” Dams said. “Maybe not hit it so hard… just a little more cruising.” Analysts say drivers may not see much relief anytime soon. Higher crude oil prices could push gasoline prices up another five to 10 cents a litre over the coming week, meaning the cost of getting on the road, or out on the water, could continue to climb.
