COURTENAY – Ford Cove is a busy harbour near the southern tip of Hornby Island. Originally built for commercial fishing vessels, the decline of fish stocks in the Salish Sea has shifted use of the harbour to both commercial and recreational boats, with recreational use growing each year. The demand for moorage during the summer months greatly exceeds capacity, and shoulder season traffic is on the rise.
The Ford Cove Harbour Authority, in collaboration with Hornby Island Community Economic Enhancement Corporation, has embarked upon a strategic plan to accommodate increased demand for recreational services, provide improved infrastructure for commercial users and encourage visitors to explore the island with additional transportation options.
“Ford Cove is a scenic and popular destination on Hornby Island,” said Don McRae, Comox Valley MLA. “Increasing harbour capacity and amenities is vital to supporting the community’s small businesses serving recreational boaters visiting the area. Through the Island Coastal Economic Trust, the Province is pleased to provide this beautiful community with the opportunity to grow and flourish.”
Ford Cove’s multi-year development project includes almost double the moorage capacity, better wave protection, upgrading the off-loading wharf, improved navigational aids and upland facilities. Phase 1 of this project will address improving wave attenuation and adding new transient moorage.
These marine tourism improvements support the Province of BC’s “Gaining the Edge” strategy by developing world class visitor services and experiences on Hornby Island.
“Almost doubling the number of berths means that visiting yacht clubs and recreational groups will have the opportunity to disembark and explore the community,” said ICET Chair Phil Kent. “This increased moorage will support peak season activity and boost shoulder season visitors. Combined with Hornby Island’s Community Economic Enhancement Corporation’s plan to increase transportation options for marine visitors these infrastructure upgrades will positively impact the sustainability of the local economy.”
The Island Coastal Economic Trust is contributing $300,000 to the $1,065,068 Ford Cove Harbour Marina Expansion Project, with over $500,000 coming from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Small Craft Harbours and more than $200,000 from Ford Cove Harbour Authority’s equity.
“We are excited to get started with Phase 1 of the Ford Cove Harbour Marina Expansion project that will meet the needs of visiting boaters as well as support local business development,” said Glen Hadden, Secretary/Treasurer, Ford Cove Harbour Authority. “By working together with our community we have a strong plan to grow long-term sustainability and this is a great first step toward achieving that vision.”
The harbour redevelopment project will begin in 2016 with completion in early 2017.
