Government of Canada supports wharf improvements at Kelly Cove Marina
July 23, 2015 – New Campbellton, N.S. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
After a particularly stormy winter season, a safe haven for recreational boaters on the Bras d’Or Lake is undergoing essential upgrades to its wharf structures. Senator Michael L. MacDonald was in New Campbellton today to announce that the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), will contribute $32,310 through its Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) to enable Kelly Cove Marina to undertake upgrades at Kelly’s Cove Wharf.
Strategically placed at the Northeast entrance of the Bras d'Or Lake, Kelly’s Cove is the first recreational boating infrastructure to be encountered by boaters entering the Lake from this direction and provides safe dockage in an area known for the swift tides and strong winds that can befall boaters when entering or exiting the Lake through the Great Bras d'Or Channel. The marina provides an important navigational aid to boaters with a lighted beacon operating on the end of the wharf. From a safety perspective, this marina is an essential component to recreational boating infrastructure in this area.
It serves as a multi-use facility for both local and visiting recreational boaters, swimmers, sport fishers, divers, and kayakers. Although not a full-service marina, Kelly’s Cove offers shore power, floating docks, ladders, portable toilets, and a launch ramp, as well as on-site amenities such as picnic tables and a swimming platform, with its most significant contribution to recreational boating on Cape Breton Island being its location.
Quick Facts:
- The improvements include above-water structural upgrades to the corners, outside and north facing sections of the wharf, the installation of hemlock wash boarding on the southeast side that is exposed to heavy waves, and the construction of a ramp to the floating docks.
- These upgrades will ensure the Society is able to provide a safe harbour with solid infrastructure and necessary services to both local and visiting recreational boaters in this key area at the entrance to the Bras d'Or Lake.
Quotes:
“Our Government remains committed to helping communities chart their own course to overcome challenges, build on local strengths and identify and develop strategic opportunities for growth. Today’s investment will enable Kelly Cove Marina to undertake upgrades to the marina’s wharf and floating docks to provide a safe harbour with necessary services to both local and visiting recreational boaters on the Bras d’Or Lake.”
- Senator Michael L. MacDonald, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“Cape Breton’s Bras d’Or Lake is a vibrant locale with a rich sailing history, and we want boaters to recognize Kelly Cove Marina as a safe haven that supports sailors with an array of services to make inland-sea-going voyages safe and memorable. We believe that these improvements will further enrich the overall experience of our local and visiting sailors for many years to come.”
- Donnie Hamilton, Treasurer, Kelly Cove Heritage Society
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
Email: Alex.Smith@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Donnie Hamilton
Treasurer
Kelly Cove Heritage Society
902-574-6250
