When Mike and Jill Cutting purchased Proctor Marine Ltd. in July of 2022, they bought a business with deep roots in Norfolk County, a company with a rich history.

In 1951 Don Proctor opened a modest shop just west of town on a lot shared with 5 cabins at the Proctor’s Motel. Don got his start selling Evinrude outboards and Honda scooters. Later came Peterborough skiffs and Chris Craft kit boats.

Sales were strong, and the business grew. A more prominent location was needed, and the business moved across the street where Proctor’s dad Cecil raised a few mink. The business blossomed, and more boat brands were added. Starcraft aluminum boats came to Canada in 1959, and Proctor was one of the first dealerships on board. Traveler fiberglass boats were also sold alongside Chris Craft and Shepherd cruisers. Lawn Boy lawnmowers were offered as well as snowmobiles by SnowCruiser. The operation grew, and the building was expanded. Then additional outbuildings were added.

In 1973 Don found a business partner in Jim Heighington. Jim had worked in the marine business since high school, starting as a fledgling outboard mechanic at Leatherdale Tire Shop in his hometown of Orillia. He was at the time managing General Marine in London. When the opportunity arose to partner with Don Proctor, Jim moved his wife Donna and four boys to Simcoe.

The well-established business flourished under the couple’s ambitious, hard work. Jim’s solid work ethic and honesty quickly earned the local community’s trust and respect. Many loyal customers from General Marine in London followed Jim to Simcoe.

As Jim grew the business rapidly, still more expansion became necessary. The late 70s saw the development of the service department, and in the early 90s, a new boat showroom was constructed. As Jim and Donna’s sons grew, so did the business. Over about 20 years, each of the four boys came to work for the family business. Boat brands came and went, but the family’s core focus never changed, and the hard work paid off.

When Jim and Donna were ready to step back, they sold the business to their four sons, who carried on the family tradition with a small, tight-knit staff of family and good friends. Never wavering from the long-held family tradition of working passionately and treating customers fairly and honestly.

When the surviving Heighington brothers were ready to retire, they found the perfect successors in Mike & Jill Cutting. Both born into local boating families with entrepreneurial backgrounds and residing in Norfolk County, the Cuttings make the ideal fit to carry on the legacy that began over 70 years ago by Donald Proctor.

Over the years, Proctor Marine Ltd. has been honored with various awards from key suppliers for their strong position in the marine industry in Ontario.