Wave of tourists

Holyrood Marina gets funds for extensive expansion.

The Holyrood Marina Park will benefit from a wave of funding from the federal and provincial governments for Phase 3 of a planned expansion project aimed at boosting tourism and economic growth.

A combined $619,550 is being poured into the project, $273,600 of which is federal and $345,950 provincial. The Town of Holyrood will kick in an added $250,000 over 10 years. The money will be used to improve recreational activities at the marina.

Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation Minister Christopher Mitchelmore, along with MP Ken Mcdonald, area MHA Betty Parsley and Holyrood Deputy Mayor Jim Joy spoke to a small gathering of residents and media Wednesday morning at the town hall about the plans for the marina upgrades.

All of the speakers emphasized that expanding the ocean sector in Holyrood would be beneficial in terms of community growth, job creation and attracting tourism to the town of about 2,500 people.

Mitchelmore said Holyrood has the potential to be at the forefront of launching new ocean technology and enterprises, as well as becoming a central figure in cold ocean research and innovation for offshore oil and gas, among other industries.

“From significant industrial space to a convenient location near the main campus of Memorial University, to ready access of the Labrador current, as well as experience in major industrial projects, Holyrood is poised to be a leader in the ocean economy,” he said.

Mitchelmore says the planned expansion will be focused and strategic.

“It’s done in Europe, it’s done in other jurisdictions, and we’re going to capitalize on that,” he said.

Joy said the marina is an integral part of the town’s infrastructure.

“It plays a vital role in the economic well-being of our town,” he said. “The marina promotes tourism and presents our town as an open, friendly and prosperous place to live, learn, work, play and invest.”