Province announces funding for Marystown marine industrial park BY PAUL HERRIDGE The Southern Gazette

Innovation, Trade and Rural Development Minister Shawn Skinner announced a $592,707 investment towards the development of the marine industrial park in Marystown Thursday. Burin-Placentia West MHA Clyde Jackman, Marystown Mayor Sam Synard and Grand Bank MHA Darin King were also present. Paul Herridge Photo

Innovation, Trade and Rural Development Minister Shawn Skinner announced Thursday the provincial government’s $592,707 contribution toward the development of the Marystown marine industrial park.

The minister, who also participated in the first annual MHA Cup Golf Tournament at Grande Meadows Golf Course in Frenchman’s Cove during his visit, made the announcement at the Marystown Municipal Centre.

Minister Skinner noted the funding will come via the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development’s Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF) and would help solidify Marystown’s position as a shipbuilding hub.

“This new infrastructure advances the industrial and marine sectors, along with encouraging long-term employment and economic growth to the Burin Peninsula. This is an exciting venture that will have a positive impact on the local and regional economy.

“For that matter, I view this development as having a positive impact on the entire provincial economy.”

The project, which is led by the Town of Marystown’s Port Authority Committee, will include site preparation for a 20-lot marine industrial park with six fully serviced lots completed over the coming months.

It will also includes the installation of hydro, water and sewer services complete with sewage treatment and outfall to the entire industrial park, and base course asphalt to the first six lots with sub-grade road construction to the marginal wharf site.

Mayor Sam Synard suggested there is no better opportunity for major employment in the region than the development of Mortier Bay into a world class harbour. He said the marine industrial park is one piece of the puzzle.

The mayor said the town is already starting to promote the availability of the lots and has attracted some interest from an Alberta company, which he indicated is considering relocating to the area to set up a potential manufacturing plant.

“I hope we can continue conversations with partners to do the next phase and the next phase.”

Burin-Placentia West MHA Clyde Jackman indicated a small group, which included Minister Skinner, made a brief stop at the construction site off McGettigan Boulevard before attending Thursday’s announcement.

He acknowledged he believes people will be “impressed” with the final product once completed.

“The infrastructure that we’re building, and will continue to build, out from Power’s Cove and in Mortier Bay, just can only add to the drawing to this particular area.

“I truly believe in the future Mortier Bay, and the Town of Marystown will play an instrumental part in the further development of the industries that are related to the water and the oil sector.”

The provincial funding follows on the heels of a $708,841 ACOA investment announced earlier this month by Minister Keith Ashfield. This spring, the minister announced an initial $1.15 million ACOA investment for the project.