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Tonawanda council adopts new harbor overnight-docking fees
Summary
On March 17, 2026, the Tonawanda Common Council adopted an amendment to Chapter 30 (Waterways) that raises and reorders overnight and daily docking fees at the city's Gateway Harbor; the change takes effect upon publication of the ordinance title.
Tonawanda Common Council members voted on March 17 to amend the city's overnight docking-fee schedule for the Tonawanda Gateway Harbor, approving a revised fee table that differentiates nightly rates by boat length and by whether electric and water hookups are provided.
The council adopted the amendment after reading the resolution into the record. The ordinance amends Chapter 30, Article 20, Section 30-571 to set overnight rates with electric and water at $35 for boats 25 feet and under, $40 for 26 to 40 feet, and $45 for 41 feet and over; without electric and water the overnight rates were set at $30 for 25 feet and under, $35 for 26 to 40 feet and $40 for 41 feet and over. Daily rates were listed in the resolution as $20 (25 ft and under), $25 (26'40 ft) and $30 (41 ft and over); commercial boats were given separate rate lines in the resolution.
The measure was sponsored from the floor by Council Member Fischer and was adopted by roll call. The resolution states the amendment will take effect upon publication of the ordinance title in the official city newspaper in accordance with the city charter.
Why it mattered: council members said updating the harbor fee schedule aligns the city's published code with current management needs for the Gateway Harbor and establishes clear overnight and daily fees for boaters. The fees will appear in the municipal code and become enforceable once the title is published.
Votes at a glance: The council adopted a slate of routine items that evening. Resolutions 1 (minutes accepted), 2 (bills allowed), 3 (change meeting start time), 4'9 (routine permits and event approvals), the harbor-fee amendment and a separate resolution requiring volunteer fire companies to provide proof of insurance all passed on roll call during the March 17 meeting.
What's next: The ordinance takes effect upon publication of its title; the council did not schedule further debate on the harbor fees during this meeting and no amendments were offered on the floor.
Sources and provenance: primary evidence for this article is the council's March 17 meeting transcript (resolution read and adopted; fee table read aloud into the record).
