Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
July 23, 2010Boat Marina Supports Economic
Development in Channel-Port aux Basques
Leveraging its position as a gateway into Newfoundland and Labrador,
the Town of Channel-Port aux Basques is developing a recreational boat
marina with a $55,000 investment from the Provincial Government. The
marina development is an important step in the community's plan to
revitalize its downtown and enhance the opportunities for the local
business community.
"The Town of Channel-Port aux Basques marina development is a key
step in the community's plan to stimulate new activity in its downtown
core," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade
and Rural Development. "Building this infrastructure will serve as an
economic platform in the community as existing and new businesses will
be able to offer services and amenities to visiting boaters."
Upon construction of the recreational boat marina up to 15 boats will
be accommodated and offer visitors a safe, enjoyable site to dock their
boat. It will also include two walkway floating docks, two gangways, and
a fixed wharf.
"As the Gateway to Newfoundland and Labrador, Channel-Port aux
Basques annually hosts a multitude of recreational boaters from the
Eastern Seaboard of North America, as well as boaters from the Great
Lakes," said Brian Button, Mayor, Channel-Port aux Basques. "Investments
in dedicated marina infrastructure for the community will provide a
positive first impression of the provincial recreational boating
industry which will impact other marinas throughout the province. This
project will also stimulate growth of the downtown business community
and provide further employment opportunities for residents."
With a scenic coastline and rich maritime history, there are
significant opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador to capitalize on
the international boating industry. In Channel-Port aux Basques, the new
facility will be able to service the international recreational boat
traffic to and from the Gulf of St. Lawrence Seaway.
"The development of a recreational boat marina in Channel-Port aux
Basques complements similar provincially-supported initiatives in
Lewisporte, Old Perlican, and Long Cove," said Minister Skinner. "These
initiatives are each contributing to the growth of the province's
recreational boating industry and better satisfying the demands of
boaters who travel around the globe."
This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral
Diversification Fund, which through Budget 2010:
The Right
Investments — For Our Children and Our Future
was increased to an
$11 million program. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade
and Rural Development, the program provides non-repayable contributions
to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional
and sectoral development and diversification.
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