Bait depot on the blocks
Marine Atlantic interested in buying Port aux Basques facility
I don’t know who else would want them.
Edward Branton
Marine Atlantic has an interest in obtaining the bait depot in Port aux Basques.
The federally owned building located on Marine Drive is one of the many pieces of infrastructure across the province being divested by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).
Marine Atlantics spokesman Darrell Mercer said the corporation has expressed an interest in the building, but no final decision has been made.
The bait depot is currently used to refrigerate bait for fishermen to purchase and is also a place where fresh and frozen fish can be purchased seasonally.
Port aux Basques town manager Barry Spencer said the town has very few details on what to expect regarding the possible sale, but it’s his understanding the building offer will be processed through all levels of government before it’s put up on public tender.
DFO confirmed that process via email and said it involves priority offering to federal departments, the provincial government and the municipal government at fair market value.
Should the parties noted above express no interest, the building could then be considered for public tender.
It would seem as though fears are rippling through not just the town of Port aux Basques, but through surrounding towns.
The building is privately leased through John Osmond of Codroy Seafoods. As of deadline, Osmond would not comment on the matter.
Edward Branton is just one of the many people who could be affected by the decision to get rid of the bait depot. He said the probability of the outcome is not looking good for any party involved.
Branton’s fear is that if anyone other than current owner John Osmond were to obtain the federally owned buildings, they wouldn’t be kept as fish depots.
“I don’t know who else would want them,” said Branton.
Codroy fisherman Roger Fowlow was at a loss for words last week after hearing the depot was in trouble.
Fowlow has always been vocal when it comes to supporting the fishery and figures if Osmond is not speaking right now, it’s because he is trying to figure out a way to make this work, not just for his business, but also for the fishermen.
Fowlow said there could be an increased cost to fishermen to buy bait, but it would be a better option than losing it all together.
DFO further confirmed there are no stipulations put on the use of the building with the change in ownership.
Numerous attempts to reach the bait depot and the local harbour authority for comment were unsuccessful.