PORT STANLEY

• CAPST
• Latitude: 42.662
• Longitude: -81.212
• Great Lakes
• Port in Canada

Location: Port Stanley Ontario Canada

Port Stanley is a small yet significant port located in the community of Port Stanley, which is part of the Municipality of Central Elgin, in Ontario, Canada. It sits on the north shore of Lake Erie, making it a pivotal point for both commercial and recreational maritime activities. Here is a detailed description and specification of Port Stanley:

Location:

• Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 42°39'N latitude and 81°13'W longitude.
• Water Body: Lake Erie, which is one of the five Great Lakes of North America.

Harbor Characteristics:

• Type of Port: Harbour, comprising a natural inlet with some infrastructural enhancements for docking and cargo handling.
• Capacity: Although relatively small compared to major commercial ports, Port Stanley can handle modest cargo volumes, primarily associated with local industries and recreational boating.

Facilities:

• Docks and Piers: The port has several docks and piers designed to accommodate a variety of vessel types, including fishing boats, pleasure crafts, and smaller commercial ships.
• Cargo Handling: Limited facilities for cargo handling, focusing mostly on bulk materials like coal, limestone, and grain that are common to the region.
• Recreational Facilities: Includes marinas with slips for private boats, fishing charters, and tourist-oriented services.
• Marine Services: Basic marine services such as fueling, maintenance, and repair for smaller vessels and fishing boats.

Infrastructure:

• Road Access: Connected via Highway 4, providing straightforward road access to other parts of Ontario.
• Rail Access: Historically, Port Stanley had rail service, but current railway infrastructure may be limited or inactive.
• Warehousing: Limited warehousing space along the docks, suitable for local storage needs.

Navigation and Safety:

• Navigational Aids: Markers and lighthouses to aid in navigation, particularly important given Lake Erie’s notorious weather conditions.
• Pilotage: Services may be required for unfamiliar or larger vessels navigating the harbor entrance.
• Weather Conditions: Seasonal fluctuations are significant, with the port being more active in spring and summer months. Winter ice can restrict navigation.

Economic Impact:

• Commercial Fishing: Historically a vital part of the port's economy, supporting local livelihoods.
• Tourism: Increasingly important, with visitors coming for boat tours, fishing charters, and water sports.
• Local Industry: Serves as a logistical node for local agriculture and manufacturing, although on a smaller scale compared to larger ports.

Environmental Considerations:

• Water Quality: Efforts are in place to maintain water quality in Lake Erie, addressing issues like pollution and invasive species.
• Conservation: Sustainable practices are promoted to preserve the local aquatic life and the natural beauty of the area.

Future Prospects:

• Development Plans: There may be ongoing or proposed plans to expand or modernize facilities to better accommodate tourism and improve commercial services.
• Environmental Initiatives: Potential projects aimed at enhancing the ecological health of Lake Erie and its surrounding areas.

Port Stanley, with its quaint charm and strategic location, embraces both its rich maritime heritage and evolving economic roles. It serves as a key point of contact between land and water, fostering both community and commerce in this region of Ontario.