The community of Glovertown is adding an important piece of economic development infrastructure with a $182,000 investment from the Provincial Government. The investment in the Glovertown Yacht Club will lead to the construction of a new 60-berth marina and spin-off benefits for the community's businesses.

Announcement of the funding was made today by the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, at the Glovertown Fire Hall. Minister Skinner was accompanied by Sandy Collins, MHA, Terra Nova.

"Glovertown has a history of being a destination for recreational boaters," said Minister Skinner. "With its expanded infrastructure, there is opportunity to accommodate and attract a greater volume of boaters.　 As proven with marina developments in other areas of the province, they can play an important role in bolstering business activity in the service, retail, food and beverage, and accommodation sectors. It will play a valuable role in the regional economy for many years and highlights the effectiveness of community and government partners coming together to advance economic development initiatives."

In addition to the construction of the 60 berths, the Provincial Government investment enables the yacht club to dredge the harbour, build concrete walls and floating docks, and add a boat launch. Upon completion in summer 2011, the berths will be available for short-term use and annual rentals.

"Our Yacht Club Committee is ecstatic to finally get this project underway," said Clarence Howse, Chairperson, Glovertown Yacht Club. "Over the past five years Glovertown Yacht Club Inc. has been working towards development of a Yacht Club and Marina Complex for Glovertown. Our bay — Alexander Bay — and this whole part of Bonavista Bay, is an exceptional area for boating, with sheltered waters surrounded by a pristine and scenic landscape. The area is also rich in history and in wildlife. Our aim is to build a first class, well-serviced marina for local, national and international yachters. This will provide an impetus for economic development in the local region, and be a boon to tourism."

With a large harbour opening that extends more than 25 kilometres into Alexander Bay and Pitt Sound Reach, Glovertown is a strategic location for boating enthusiasts. Its sheltered harbour attracts visitors from across Newfoundland and Labrador and Atlantic Canada who are seeking sailing, power boating and water skiing experiences.

"This is an extremely positive and highly anticipated announcement for the people of Glovertown and the surrounding communities," said Mr. Collins. "This government is committed to the growth and sustainability of rural Newfoundland and Labrador. Projects such as this hold significant potential as a key tourism attraction and economic generator for the region. I look forward to continue working with the committee to ensure progress and future success."