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.