The docks Hospital Bay will soon reach out an extra 40 metres thanks to an $80,000 grant from the federal government.
Frank Mauro, president of the Harbour Authority of Pender Harbour (HAPH), applied for the grant from the federal Community Adjustment Fund with hopes a dock extension would give the HAPH more flexibility in where it allows the commercial and recreational boats to moor.
Mauro listed the many walks of life who rely on the docks from fishers, scientists and recreational boaters as well as the tourists who come for the many special events and festivals in Pender Harbour.
"The purpose is to serve the local residents and fishers and aquaculture industry but also to attract more tourists to the area because really, tourism is becoming the backbone of this area," he said. "We have a constant high demand at our facilities and expansion is important to ensure that access to the water, which Pender Harbour is famous for, is preserved."
Mauro said there is currently a one-year waiting list for permanent moorage at the HAPH's three docks.
West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country member of Parliament John Weston joined Mauro and Sunshine Coast Regional District Area A director Eric Graham to make the funding announcement at Seafarers' Millenium Park in Madeira Park Friday, Aug. 21.
Weston praised the work done by HAPH and Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers saying projects like the expansion of the Hospital Bay docks are just what the government had in mind when it started its economic action plan.
"At a time of global economic challenge, investments such as these are creating and protecting jobs, attracting new economic opportunities and building a foundation for long-term growth and prosperity," he said.
Following the announcement, HAPH and Coast Guard volunteers shuttled politicians and staff out to Hospital Bay for a tour to see how the docks will be extended.
Work is expected to be completed by November.
