Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
January 31, 2011

Clarenville Yacht Club Charts Course to Accommodate Recreational Boaters

As the volume of recreational boaters navigating the coastal waters of Newfoundland and Labrador swells, communities such as Glovertown, Lewisporte, Heart’s Delight-Islington, and Long Cove are improving local marina infrastructure to maximize the benefits from the increase in activity. Complementing activity in those communities, the Clarenville Yacht Club is expanding its marina facility with the support of a $150,699 investment from the Provincial Government.

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development made the announcement at the Clarenville Events Centre. Minister Sullivan was accompanied by the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Environment and Conservation and MHA for Trinity North, as well as members of the Clarenville Yacht Club.

“Recreational boating traffic in the province’s bays and inlets continues to rise,” said Minister Sullivan. “With marina improvements already underway or completed in such communities as Lewisporte and Heart’s Delight-Islington, spin-off benefits are being experienced, and enjoyed, by the local business community. I fully anticipate the same level of success being experienced upon completion of the Clarenville Yacht Club’s expansion.”

Scheduled for completion in fall 2011, improvements of the Clarenville Yacht Club will include construction of a rock fill breakwater, reconfiguration of existing docks and addition of finger piers, landscaping, and installation of water, sewer, and electrical services.

“We are very excited with the improvements to our facilities,” said Boyd Brown, Commodore, Clarenville Yacht Club. “This will add much needed capacity for the expanding boating community in the area. The local business community will also see direct benefit from the increased boating traffic. Without the support of the Provincial Government, we would not be able to promote Clarenville as a must-stop location for visiting boaters to Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as those from around the province.”

Since its expansion in 2002, the Clarenville Yacht Club has exceeded its capacity of approximately 40 boats and has a waiting list of 15 new boaters. With the expanded capacity, the yacht club, which has implemented a fee-for-use system, is now better positioned to strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador’s ability to attract recreational boaters and add to the quality of their experience.

“This is an extremely exciting initiative for Clarenville and the surrounding region,” said Minister Wiseman. “An expanded marina holds significant social and economic development opportunities for the area. It will be a focal point of activity for many years to come.”

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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2011 01 31                                                         11:20 a.m.