Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde MHA Steve Crocker (left) announced funding for the James G. Reid Memorial Marina in Heart’s Delight-Islington on May 20.
The town’s James G. Reid Marina will get some much-needed upgrades as it was the subject of a number of monetary announcements by federal and provincial representatives.
Standing mere feet from the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Judy Foote brought news of a federal investment of $61,524 to complete the third phase of the marina.
“The Heart’s Delight-Islington marina harnesses the natural strengths of this area and creates meaningful economic opportunity for residents,” said the minister. “The Government of Canada understands the importance of investing in our people, our businesses and our communities to ensure they continue to grow, prosper and help build a strong province.”
Long hailed as a jewel along the Trinity Bay coast, the marina will benefit greatly from the funding, which was made possible through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). It’ll be used for the removal of dilapidated cribs and docks, while helping with the construction and placement of five new cribs, four floating wharves and the reconstruction of three floating docks.
It’ll also help with dock repairs and the exploration of new revenue generators through added services to boaters.
As a result of the work, there will be 25-32 additional spaces made available to vessels helping alleviate the strains of the current waiting list.
On top of the federal funding, Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde MHA Steve Crocker was on hand to announce additional funds from the provincial side of things.
Through the Regional Development Fund, the province is kicking in $88,000 for the infrastructure work being done. Along with that, there will be an investment of $70,669 through the Job Creation Partnership program.
That’ll create five jobs for 22 weeks to assist with the completion of the work.
In all, a total of $220,193 will be invested in the Heart’s Delight-Islington marina and the completion of its third phase.
“We are seeing a growing recreational boating industry in this region which enjoys using the marina to explore the beautiful waters and coastlines of Trinity Bay,” said provincial Minister of Fisheries Crocker. “It will bring further development which will make the marina available for even more boat owners to use and enjoy. Trinity Bay is a prime location for tourism and any opportunity we get to bring more people to the region is certainly a wonderful thing.”
The news was welcomed by Clayton Branton, the town’s mayor. He said the town has been pulling for this funding for “a number of years” and is relieved to see it announced.
“The marina committee has been trying to promote this for a number of years now,” said Branton. “It’s hard to fit everybody in. We just can’t do it. This phase III will put us into a situation where we can accommodate all of the people on the waiting list.
“This is a very busy seaport and no doubt we’re going to flourish from this.”
