Valemount Marina was able to open its doors this summer thanks to a $25,000 grant from Columbia Basin Trust to replace its aging docks which were deemed unsafe to use at the end of last summer.
Located at Canoe Reach, about 26 kms southeast of Valemount, the marina is used by at least 3,500 people every summer, said Owen Torgerson, president of the Valemount Marina Association.
“The docks we had were 35-years-old and they were just getting to that point where not only were they unsafe, they were also uneconomical to repair.
“[This funding] allowed us to open,” he said, adding the marina opened June 1.
Every summer, at least 1,000 powerboats use the marina as well as dozens of sailboats, canoes, kayaks and paddleboats.
“It’s not only an attraction for locals, but for out of province visitors as well,” said Torgerson.
In Jasper National Park, gas-powered motorboats are restricted, so Valemount is one of the closest places for people to use their motorboats.
“Tourism is a strong economic driver in the Valemount area,” said Lynda Lafleur, Columbia Basin Trust community liaison, in a press release.
“This project will support the economic well-being of this community and its residents—plus help them enjoy their own backyard.”
Made out of wood, each section of the dock is six-feet-wide by sixteen-feet-long and has a buoyancy force of one tonne.
Volunteers helped construct, assemble and install the new docks allowing the marina to open on time. The remainder of the work is expected to be finished by early July.
Besides the new docks, other amenities at the marina include a concrete boat launch, an emergency communications system, a warming hut for people to cook, several outhouses and camping nearby.
Columbia Basin Trust supports efforts to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin.
Paul Clarke
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