Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
October 29, 2010Glovertown
Marina to Serve as Key Piece of Economic Development Infrastructure
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."
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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