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Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
April 8, 2009

Town of Lewisporte to Improve Recreational Marina

The Town of Lewisporte is beginning initial work to expand its recreational marina with a $54,217 investment from the Provincial Government. The project will address immediate needs of the Lewisporte Marina Complex and take important steps towards maximizing growth opportunities and encouraging new business development.

"Enhancements to the Lewisporte Marina will increase business opportunities throughout the region and make the site more attractive and functional for both local and visiting recreational boaters," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "This is an important infrastructure development project that will improve the town�s viability in becoming a recreational boating destination."

The marina complex is a popular spot for recreational boating enthusiasts, currently providing dockage space for 140 vessels of varying lengths. However, a waiting list of potential clients requiring additional berths and winter storage exists. To meet this immediate demand, the development includes the construction of 20 additional berths with electrical service, a finger pier, connection of the main floating dock to the breakwater, and a 30-tonne lift to accommodate larger out-of-province pleasure crafts for over-wintering.

"The Lewisporte Marina is considered a cornerstone for economic development within our region," said Perry Pond, Town Manager of Lewisporte. "The recreational boating industry holds tremendous potential and to fully capitalize on these opportunities additional marina infrastructure is required. This project marks a key step in that direction."

This initiative is supported by the Lewisporte Area Economic Development Committee, which was established in 2007 to pursue regional economic development and employment opportunities. The committee has identified the marina�s expansion as a key part of its broader economic development strategy, complementing other town developments such as the Downtown Redevelopment Initiative and Investment Attraction strategy.

"This initiative will serve to strengthen the economy of the Lewisporte area," says Wade Verge, MHA, Lewisporte. "It will also create spin-off benefits and increase the tourism capacity for all communities in the Notre Dame Bay area as recreational boating increases. I would like to express my appreciation to the members of the Lewisporte and area Economic Development Committee for their continued efforts and long term commitment to the economic growth of this region."

The project was funded through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF). Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the RSDF is a $5 million fund that provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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Media contact:

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca


2009 04 08                                                     10:50 a.m.
 


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