The Montague Waterfront Development Corporation (MWDC) will be upgrading the docks at the marina in Montague thanks to support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

Increased use of the existing facilities over the last couple of seasons has focused a great deal of attention on the need for a better dock system to handle larger boats and the increased visitor traffic. Seal tour boat operators in particular have raised concerns that the narrow and somewhat unstable docks are a concern for some of their patrons.

“The Montague waterfront is an important element of economic development for this region, and it will contribute to the growth of tourism and the quality of life enjoyed by residents of Montague and our surrounding communities”, said the Hon. Lawrence MacAulay on behalf of Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “The Government of Canada is pleased to support this upgrading as it will mean a great deal to both residents and visitors to eastern PEI.”

To ensure that the marina’s docks are safe for all and able to accommodate a variety of vessels, the docks will be upgraded. The new docks will permit a much needed expansion of the available slips and provide facilities to safely dock the increasingly larger vessels which tourists are using when cruising by water in Atlantic Canada.

Since the incorporation of the Montague Waterfront Development Corporation, its volunteer board has overseen the restoration of the old railway station to provide space for retail outlets; an office for the water tours company; and, washroom, showers and laundry facilities for the marina – which was developed to better provide facilities for touring yachts, local boaters and a terminus for tour operations. Additionally, the corporation has overseen the development of the waterfront’s park for the enjoyment of locals and tourists alike, and the new gazebo has provided a stage for a wide variety of community events.

“This project will benefit the Montague and eastern PEI area by enhancing the capacity of our waterfront to accommodate vacationing boaters and in particular, the Manada Cruises Company which operates a very popular seal watching tour operation out of the marina”, noted the MWDC’s Board Vice-Chair, Mr. Jim Johnston. “Our goal is to develop the waterfront for the community in a way that is economically viable and ultimately benefits the community as a whole. This latest project continues our efforts in this regard.”

ACOA has provided a non-repayable contribution of $81,868 toward the project through the Business Development Program.

Stephen Heckbert
Office of the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities 
Agency
(613) 948-7293

Jim Johnston
Montague Waterfront Development Corp.
(902) 838-4030

Wes Harrison
ACOA PEI & Tourism
(902) 368-0842
wes.harrison@acoa-apeca.gc.ca