By Mark Squibb
The Town of Ferryland is planning to apply to the federal government for funding for some much needed work around the harbour.
The Town hosted an information session last Thursday at the Town Hall. Mayor Aidan Costello said roughly 30 to 40 people showed up, representing local businesses, the fishery, the Colony of Avalon, and the Shamrock Folk Arts Council, along with members of the general public.
“They even gave us a standing ovation,” joked the mayor.
Folks who know Ferryland know how susceptible the harbour is to damages, particularly during the winter months.
“The Ferryland harbour is well exposed to every wind that blows,” said Costello. “We get it from the north, the east and the south.”
Those damages result in costly cleanups.
“In our first year as council, we had a planning session, and one of the things identified was the need to improve harbour infrastructure,” said Costello. “From there we sought out partners to help us, and we met with (the federal Department of Fisheries’) Small Crafts and Harbours (division). We met with them and started to make some plans… From there, we developed a concept of what the new harbour improvements would include.”
The Town will be submitting funding requests in two phases. Phase 1 would include a new armour stone breakwater, a marginal wharf and slipway.
Costello said that a plan for Phase 2 has yet to be developed, although possible projects could include floating docks and more armour stone.
“There’s a lot of things that we’d like to do, and that we’re hoping to do,” said Costello, who said council is hoping to submit its application sooner rather than later.
The mayor added that Avalon MP Ken McDonald has been supportive and helpful throughout the process.
An exact budget for the project hasn’t yet been determined.
