SYDNEY, NS – Recreational boaters in Sydney harbour can visit the Sydney boardwalk and waterfront. Marina infrastructure capable of accommodating 25 to 30 small pleasure craft has been installed and is ready to use.
“We are always seeking ways to improve and enhance the visitor experience to the waterfront,” said Marlene Usher, Port of Sydney CEO. “These upgraded, public access docks will open up a new way for visitors to come to the Sydney waterfront and improve the boating experience in Sydney Harbour.”
Docking fees are collected and administered by the Port of Sydney. Rates are available for daily, weekly and longer-term stays.
The new marina is named the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club Marina, a historic name for the site dating back to 1903. Former members of the board of the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club were on hand to welcome the revival of the club’s name. A display of the club’s memorabilia is planned as part of the renovation of a meeting and event space at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion.
“We appreciate the Port’s initiative to bring back the historic Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club name,” said Curtis Karrel, past Commodore. “We look forward to working with the Port of Sydney to reflect upon the club’s history, showcase the memorabilia collection and perhaps chart a course for the future.”
The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is pleased to support the Port of Sydney Development Corporation as it focuses on increased visitor access to Sydney’s downtown district. A non-repayable contribution of $172,921 from ACOA’s Business Development Program assisted with the installation of new marina infrastructure made of composite materials for increased durability and longevity of the piers.
The overall project funding also included approximately $45,000 for dock fencing at the cruise terminal. Port of Sydney provided a matching contribution.
“Increasing Sydney’s ability to attract new visitors to the downtown district, which is home to more than 200 distinctive businesses, will help ensure Cape Breton continues its upward trend,” says Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament for Sydney – Victoria on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA. “These upgrades will attract private boating visitors to the Sydney waterfront and contribute to the economic success of the downtown core.”
The Port of Sydney Development Corporation’s mission is to support, promote and develop the harbour and related infrastructure with the goal of growing the economy of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. The Port of Sydney will welcome over 200,000 visitors through cruise vessels in 2018. There are now twenty businesses operating at the Cruise Pavilion and boardwalk. Individuals and organizations with business ideas or proposals for the waterfront are encouraged to contact the Port of Sydney Development Corporation.
