PRINCE RUPERT – Community partners from a diverse array of public and private sources came together over the past few years to invest in the construction of the Cow Bay Marina and public breakwater – a City-owned asset that is already making quite the splash in Prince Rupert. The new public breakwater dock is centrally located in Cow Bay and was built to improve waterfront access for Rupertites.
“Over the last 5 years, our residents have incrementally experienced being cut off from Prince Rupert’s waterfront,” said Mayor Lee Brain. “The new Cow Bay Marina and public breakwater is the City’s response to provide new waterfront access for residents to enjoy Prince Rupert’s beautiful harbour. We want to sincerely thank all our partners for making this a reality. Projects like this are just the beginning of a larger plan to repatriate our waterfront for public use so we can provide a quality of life that all Prince Rupert residents deserve.”
The City of Prince Rupert obtained the funds with significant support from Community Futures of the Pacific Northwest and the Prince Rupert and Port Edward Economic Development Office, who were also instrumental in making the project a reality.
“Community Futures Pacific Northwest, as one of the key partners in the project, is delighted to see the fruition of this long sought after community recreation and business opportunity. It is sure to be an economic driver and will hopefully spark the imaginations of local entrepreneurs,” said Board Chair, Wendy Prystay.
The project, which has been in the wings at the City since 2012, was undertaken by Broadwater Construction and completed this past winter. The Cow Bay Marina project has two major components – a public breakwater dock, and a marina located right next door, set up to serve itinerant vessels travelling through the area.
The venture went ahead with investment from Western Economic Diversification Canada, the City of Prince Rupert, Gitxaala First Nation, the Port of Prince Rupert, Northern Development Initiative Trust, Fisheries Legacy Trust, Coast Sustainability Trust, the Prince Rupert Port Edward Economic Development Corporation, and Communica Public Affairs – all of whom were integral in bringing the project to life.
“Community waterfront access is among the most important of our planning and investment activities, and the Cow Bay breakwater represents our continued commitment to creating spaces for residents to experience Prince Rupert’s harbour,” said Don Krusel, President & CEO of the Port of Prince Rupert. “After working closely with the City of Prince Rupert, we’re pleased to see this asset become available for the enhancement of local recreation.”
“This is a fantastic project that will drive increased marine tourism traffic to Prince Rupert and the North Coast, diversifying the economy and supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs. Northern Development is proud to support the development of the Cow Bay Marina,” said Joel McKay, Communications Director for Northern Development Initiative Trust.
