MONTO-RENO MARINA’S STORY

From its earliest beginnings in a wooden area with a creek running through it, Monto-Reno has grown steadily to be a thriving Lake Simcoe marina business. Located in a cove off the west side of Cook’s Bay, the channel was first dug in 1963, redone in 1978 and dug further in 1983.

Many features have been added or enhanced to create this unique resort for boaters. A cottage was renovated to create a clubhouse complete with television, games, kitchen, showers and washrooms. The addition of Captain Hook’s playground plus 2 patios on the restaurant with open slips on the front wall, give boating families the ability to come and dine by land or water.

In 1985, a combination of showroom, service shop, marine store and office was built. Qualified certified technicians are on hand year round, to provide the customer service and expertise expected by our clientele.

Owners Doris Baxter (now retired) and Wilson Forbes give credit to the key role that family has played in the daily operation of their 55 year old business. Bonnie (Baxter) Enwright started in 1973 and 45 years later continues as office manager. Her husband Art has worked 34 years as parts manager, while their son Art Jr., now service manager, has been involved for 26 years. In total, 12 fulltime and 6 seasonal staff are employed.

In 2000, the aging wooden bridge linking the north side to the south was removed. It had been a very popular landmark for boaters. In 2008 a new dock across the front of the property was installed making docking and servicing needs more accessible.

The total property has now expanded to over 10 acres to better service and store the ever increasing number of boats. In total, Monto Reno now has 86 covered slips plus 24 open seasonal slips on water and is steadily upgrading electrical system and fuel docks and tanks as well as increasing storage capacity by creating racks/platforms. Covered winter storage for 200 boats as well as over 100 personal watercraft is provided for cottagers and the local community.

Since 1991, Monto Reno became a 5 star Yamaha Dealer, achieving the highest level of sales and service for Yamaha Sport boats, outboards, wave runners and generators.

Monto Reno has earned certification as a Boating Ontario Clean Marine with the highest rating of 5 platinum anchors. We are supporters of the Lake Simcoe Foundation and local minor sports groups. We partnered in the completion and showcasing of the Emily May steamship model now displayed in Innisfil Town Hall.

Features of the marina that have made it viable still today:

Popular high quality service shop for MerCruiser®, Volvo, Yamaha, Sea-Doo boats
Restaurant and Wi-Fi for all boaters
Cement ramp for boat launching
Paved driveways
Expanded parking lots
Fishing boat rentals
Well-stocked computerized parts department and marine store
Pump out
Mid-grade and high test fuel readily available
Open 7 days a week

Customers are often 3rd generation with good memories and experiences. We gained their trust to keep them coming back. We have one valued customer since 1970 and remains with us with the same boat, same slip. In fact, because of our service and proximity to Toronto, it is the perfect location to dock your boat in our open and covered slip from 18ft to 45ft.

We have been proudly serving the clients residing in Barrie, Lefroy, Innisfil, Bradford, Newmarket and the GTA area since 1964. Visit us!