Updates

Update Regarding the Marina Renewal Project

For those that could not attend the Annual General Meeting to hear the update, you have not received information on our progress.  

As you know, the initial project plan included:

• • Removal of the east-west dock section,

  • Stabilize the north-south section,

  • Underpin the building,

  • Fix the boat launch, and

  • Replace the retaining wall on the east side of the launch. 

We received the final funding approval in early February.  Requests for tender went out in March and information sessions were held with three contracting firms.  Out of these sessions came the realization that the Board would need outside assistance for tasks related to the revitalization project.  JML Engineering Ltd. was hired to complete the design drawings for the project and to manage the tendering process and permit applications.

Two tenders were received at the end of May and both were significantly higher than the grant monies allowed.  The Board met to look at options and after much discussion decided that putting almost a million dollars into a project which was at best a temporary solution was not the best use of taxpayer dollars.  We could not just remove the east-west dock section without stabilizing the north-south leg and there was not enough dollars to do both.  The overarching goal is to replace the dock.

June and July have been busy months meeting with funders to look at options moving forward.  The Board looked within the approved project scope (points above) for items that could utilize those approved dollars, and we were encouraged by funders to identify projects within the grants that we can complete.

The launch area was identified as a priority, as well as the pre-design work necessary for a new dock.  We gathered cost estimates for the launch and for a pre-design study and geotechnical analysis of the lakebed (these are required steps for the fixed and hybrid options) and a wind/wave study (for floating docks).  The Board has decided to look at three options for a new marina – fixed dock, floating dock and slips and a hybrid mix of fixed dock and floating slips and will gather all the information before a decision is made for a new dock.

We have received approval from two of the three funding agencies for the revised project and are awaiting approval from the remaining one before we proceed.  It is hoped that the work can happen in October of this year, pending approvals from the Ministry of Environment.

The Corporation received a grant from Superior North Community Futures Development Program for a logo project.  As we move forward, strong brand recognition is needed to improve a professional appearance for the organization.  The Board is pleased to share with you below the design concept chosen to represent the Marina.  The tag line is "Anchored in Nature".  The new logo will start to be seen on Marina documents, communications, advertising and the website over the next few months.  A portion of that grant will be used for signage within the community in partnership with members of the Rossport Tourism Association.