Bruce Billard, the town's economic development strategist, explained that the project will be smaller than originally planned, and in a completely different location, but he believes it's for the better.
The marina will piggyback off existing infrastructure at the town's government wharf. Three floating docks will branch off an existing floating dock. Another floating dock will be added parallel to Marine Drive, and wharves may be added along the shore opposite the current floating docks extending towards the old fish plant.
Mr. Billard also hopes to construct a haul-out station near the fish plant. He said it will be like a boat ramp but bigger, likely handling pleasure craft up to 35 feet.
When completed, the marina should have space for about 15 boats, although that number will depend on the size of the craft in port at any given time.
Originally, the town discussed putting the marina in the area behind Coleman's Grocery Store. It would've been a million-dollar project, requiring the construction of a breakwater and a building with shower and laundry facilities.
Mr. Billard said the new plan will be done for a fraction of the cost - about $220,000.
"We modified the project once we took ownership of the fish plant because now we have ownership of the land. It's smaller because we don't have to duplicate the infrastructure," he said.
Rather than contracting out the work, the town will be able to complete this project on its own with finding from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, and the provincial Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE).
Later this month, eight people will be hired under the job creation partnership (JCP) program to begin work on the project.
Mr. Billard said once the project is complete, the Harbor Authority will oversee day-to-day operations of the marina.
He said it is an important project because Port aux Basques is the gateway to the province for many recreational boaters who cross over from Cape Breton.
The marina will allow recreational boaters to come in and tie up a distance away from fishers, who could have cargo that smells less than pleasant on hot summer days.
"It'll be a more welcoming entrance to the province," said Mr. Billard. "We get a lot of boaters who come into the province through Port aux Basques. It'll give them a great first impression."
reporter@gulfnews.ca
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