SPANIARD'S BAY, N.L. — Pleasure boaters will most likely have to wait until next summer before they can tie up at Spaniard’s Bay wharf, as delays in a $1.3 million repair project are expected to stretch to near the end of the season.
The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ Small Craft Harbours division is currently performing numerous renovations on the wharf, including a slipway and loading zone. Once the work is finished, the intention is to then transfer ownership of the wharf from the federal government to the Town of Spaniard’s Bay.
But red tape and poor weather has meant things are moving slower than expected.
John Churchill, chairperson of the wharf committee, noted April 27 was the original date for completion. However, it now appears it will be another six to eight weeks before the work is finished, meaning it’s unlikely it will be in use for the 2019 recreational boating season.
“We’re all gearing to go, but we’re at a standstill,” Churchill said. “We can’t even approach the government for money (such as Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency grants) until the wharf is turned over to the town.”
Coun. Paul Ryan, who serves as the town council liaison to the committee, said some of the delays were due to poor weather.
“Hopefully, it gets done before the summer’s over,” he said.
Economic generator?
The committee has many plans for the refurbished wharf.
Churchill said the committee will be installing upwards of at least eight floating docks, and will offer daily, monthly and yearly rates for boaters who want to tie up there.
He adds he’s already received “a lot of phone calls” from boaters wanting a space at the wharf.
The committee also hopes the wharf will become an economic generator for the town, with many businesses looking forward to the influx of visitors, and some businesses coming up with creative ideas.
“(One of the bed and breakfasts) are interested in putting boats down there, to use it for sightseeing or as part of a package,” Churchill said.
The committee also wants to use the wharf to showcase what was once a thriving commercial fishery in the town. Churchill said a resident recently donated a dory to the committee, and the hope is to install it at the wharf and add a sculpture of a fisherman either beside or onboard.
While the town isn’t paying for any of these current renovations, Ryan expressed some concern about the potential cost to the town for infrastructure, such as the floating docks, which he says would cost up to $15,000 each.
Ryan did, however, praise the committee for having developed some great ideas to help rejuvenate the area.
