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Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
July 23, 2010

Boat 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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Media contacts:

Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
Bruce Billard
Economic Development Strategist
Town of Channel-Port aux Basques
709-695-5775
bbillard@portauxbasques.ca

2010 07 23                                                       11:15 a.m.
 


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