Eastport Maine  The Quoddy Tides newspaper
Find more about Weather in Eastport, ME
Sept. 9, 2016
Home
Subscribe
Links
Classifieds
Contact
 
 

 

 

 

 

Welshpool Landing takes on a new life
by JD Rule

 

     "Welshpool Landing is open for business," announced Joseph Gough, president of the Friar's Bay Development Association Inc., at the start of the ribbon‑cutting ceremony held September 7 at the Welshpool Wharf. The wharf and hall complex has been under redevelopment for several years, and the first phase has just been completed.
     The first part, which was budgeted for $610,000, included major renovations to the hall as well as the installation of a floating dock, allowing access by visiting boats. Vessels owned by Lubec's Davis Pike and Eastport's Robert Peacock were docked, with both owners cleared dockside by customs officials. "This is huge," said Pike. "We were never able to do this before."
     Of the initial funding, $430,000 was provided by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, with another $180,000 from the nonprofit Friar's Bay Development Association.
     Following the ribbon-cutting, about 100 participants moved into the hall, which is still under construction. Gough spoke briefly, pointing out that the goal of the organization is to "serve marine tourism around the Quoddy region." He then turned the microphone over to Member of Parliament for New Brunswick Southwest Karen Ludwig, who quipped that she was the "only member of parliament who has to travel through a different country to visit some of her constituents," underscoring the benefit of an enhanced entry process. "The Government of Canada is committed to championing the Canada brand to continue to attract travelers from around the world to picturesque sites like Welshpool Landing," she said.
      MLA John Ames was up next, announcing that the Friar's Bay Development Association has been granted $75,000 from the Community Cultural Places Program to help fund the improvements at Welshpool Hall. He noted that the hall had served many purposes over the years and now "will be taking on a new life." Ames praised the "vision of the development group" in their work towards the Welshpool Landing complex. Ames is also the provincial tourism, heritage and culture minister.
      Jamie Carr, executive secretary of the Roosevelt Campobello International Park, spoke briefly, pledging support for the Welshpool Landing project. "We want more people to see Eleanor's green and rocky island," he said.
Construction continues at the hall, with many improvements visible from October 2014 when the project was announced to the public. Plans include rehabilitation of the currently off‑limits main pier, which will allow larger vessels to tie up directly rather than anchoring off and shuttling visitors to the floating dock.
     The hall, while intended to serve many purposes, includes a stage designed by Bernard Bourque, who has created and directed many local theatre events. "The first one," he said, "will be historical, maybe about the Fenian raid."
     Mayor Stephen Smart termed the project "wonderful," while encouraging the development group to try to engage more of the community.

 

 

 

Sept. 9, 2016   (Home)     

.

Google
www The Quoddy Tides article search