Upgrades for Rose Blanche wharf, trails planned

A small plan from the Rose Blanche Harbour Authority to install some showers at the government wharf has grown into a much larger proposal for upgrades around the town.

The Rose Blanche Harbour Authority is working with the town and various government departments to make upgrades to the government wharf, including a comfort station with showers and washrooms.

The facility could be used by both tourists who arrive by boat and fishermen who come ashore during bad weather.

Wayne Hatcher of the harbour authority said the project has been in the works for two years and is not yet a done deal.

He said the plan is for two bathrooms, male and female, to be installed in the main white harbour authority building on the wharf. The building may also be spruced up with new windows if the proposal is approved.

Mr. Hatcher said Rose Blanche had about 25 pleasure craft dock at the wharf last year. It is hoped upgrading the facilities will draw more visitors in years to come.

Other proposed upgrades include installation of electrical service around the Rose Blanche wharf, upgrades to walking trails around the town and repairs to Harbour le Cou's breakwater.

Upgrades such as having electrical sockets at the wharf would make the site more attractive to visitors. Many sailboats and pleasure craft are wired for power, not unlike recreational vehicles that require power at camp sites.

A joint proposal has gone in to the provincial government to get labour for the project.

Lynn MacArthur, economic development officer with the Marine and Mountain Zone Corporation, said the plan started as a simple idea from the harbour authority, but has since grown as more partners came onside.

The town expressed an interest in upgrading a walking trail system around the town. Because many of the trails are on harbour authority proerty, they decided to partner on the project.

Tammy Farrell, town clerk with Rose Blanche-Harbour Le Cou, said the trail upgrades would involve putting down new gravel and construction of handrails and guardrails.

Possible partners in the project include Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, Service Canada, Small Craft Harbours and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Work could begin this year, if the proposal is approved.

reporter@gulfnews.ca