Government of Canada invests in Ingonish infrastructure
July 31, 2015 – Ingonish, N.S. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Featured as the starting point for the final ocean leg of this year’s Race the Cape International Sailing Race, and located in the key tourism area of Ingonish along Cape Breton's Cabot Trail, Ingonish Landing Marina has been servicing local and visiting boaters since 1999. Now, with the support of the Government of Canada, the Ingonish Development Society will work to enhance the recreational marine infrastructure available at Ingonish Landing to establish the marina as an ideal lay-over point for boaters travelling from the direction of Newfoundland, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, and Quebec on their way to sail the world-famous Bras d'Or Lake.
The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), will contribute $49,800 to assist with marine infrastructure improvements including a floating dock, access ramp, moorings, signage, electricity, lighting, site works, landscaping, and the development of a pathway.
Ingonish Landing Marina features a 380-foot dock with two acres of largely undeveloped land located at Hawleys Cove on the southwest corner of Ingonish Harbour. Situated at the base of Cape Smokey, Ingonish Harbour provides the largest, safest northern port on the Cape Breton side of the Cabot Strait. Although not a full-service marina, with these site improvements Ingonish Landing Marina will ensure the availability of basic marina services to pleasure boaters, thus paving the way for recreation-based tourism operators to open kiosks at the site in the future.
Quick Facts:
- The Ingonish Development Society was established in 1992 to develop infrastructure at Ingonish Landing with the goal of opening northern Cape Breton to the recreational boating market.
- Engineered water, septic and electrical plans will also be developed as part of the Society’s broader plan to determine costs and best approaches for future development at the site.
- The Ingonish area of northern Cape Breton is located on the famous Cabot Trail and is known for its picturesque scenery, beaches, hiking trails, seafood, the Keltic Lodge Resort and The Highlands Links Golf Course.
Quotes:
“Our Government is pleased to support this community-led project which will enable Ingonish Landing Marina to provide the safe, solid infrastructure necessary to attract and accommodate recreational boaters. Once complete, this project will complement existing tourism offerings and providing further development opportunities in Ingonish and along the Cabot Trail.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“This support will enable us to start working on improving our facility. After hosting Race the Cape this month there is a lot of excitement in the boating community, and throughout our local community, seeing future potential for Ingonish Landing. This investment will allow us to continue planning for future development and uses for the facility.”
- Donald Jardine, Chair, Ingonish Development Society
Associated Links:
Race the Cape
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
Donald Jardine
Chair
Ingonish Development Society
902-285-4119 (cell)