Future of Brudenell Marina uncertain

The future of the Brudenell Marina and whether it will have a place to operate in 2020 is uncertain.

For years, the marina has operated on the Rodd Brudenell River Resort property. But now,according toEd MacAulaywho speaks for Montague Waterfront Development Corporation on this issue, the resort has decided not to renew the arrangement.

The Montague Waterfront Development Corporationmanages the Brudenell Marina.

"It would be a big loss to the whole area," said MacAulay, who is also the mayor of Three Rivers.

"People do travel here from other parts of the Island by boat, so it's a lot of traffic in the summertime, and it's unfortunate if we can't accommodate the boaters."

This fall, the waterfront development corporation announced plans to expand the Brudenell Marina, and move a few hundred metres down the shore, toBrudenell Provincial Park.

But Steven Myers, minister of transportation, infrastructure and energy as well as the MLA for the area,said he's heard complaints about bad behaviour on and around the marina.

He said if that's what the provincial park can expect, he's not keen tohaveit move there either.

"Primarily my concern is how we have entities coexist in a tourism operation that's really important to the area that I live in," said Myers.

"I'm all for people having fun, but I think there's a point where lines have to be drawn and when we're in a public space where we have a tourism product that's really important to residents in that area, we have to protect to the best of our ability."

Mark Rodd, owner of the resort, did not provide comment to CBC.

MacAulay said he's hopeful for a resolution in the new year.

"I would like to sit down at the table myself, with Rodd and with the province," he said.

"Because I think there's benefits for all, really, but we do have to ensure that the right measures are taken to ensure that that continues."

He said if the Brudenell Marina isn't able to reopen in 2020, boaters would be left without a berth, and there likely wouldn't be enough space in nearby Cardigan or Montague to accommodate them.

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