July 30, 2018 | Prince George, B.C. – The Village of Queen Charlotte celebrated the grand opening of the Queen Charlotte Boat Launch Improvement Project today, thanks in part to $250,000 in funding support from Northern Development.

As the only boat launch south of Port Clements on Graham Island, improvements to the boat launch were much-needed to ensure safe usage for locals and tourists. Previously built for airplane use, the existing boat ramp design was a basic black top extending into the bay, with no barriers or a dock to assist or defend boats against the elements while launching.

The boat launch upgrade project includes a new lock block breakwater, a concrete ramp with a 13.5 per cent grade, and a floating dock structure attached to the breakwater with rails. These new improvements to the existing infrastructure will significantly help to improve the functionality and safety of the boat launch.

The project received funding support through the Trust’s Economic Diversification Infrastructure program. Funding support for the project was also provided by the Gwaii Trust Society and the Federal Gas Tax Fund.

The final project cost for the boat launch upgrade was $881,664.

These new improvements to the boat launch will ensure that the infrastructure continues to provide service to the Village of Queen Charlotte and help boost tourism opportunities in the region for years to come.

Quotes

James Cowpar, Chair, Gwaii Trust Society

”By enabling the continued use and upgrade of critical island transportation, recreation and tourism infrastructure, this project supports the constitutional goals and objectives of Gwaii Trust.  The Boat Launch also supports the key outcomes identified in the 2015 Haida Gwaii Marine Plan in the area of marine economic development.”

Joel McKay, CEO, Northern Development Initiative Trust

“Investments in transportation, tourism and recreation infrastructure undoubtedly have a positive impact on the livability and quality of life of the region.  These projects ensure that world-class tourism destinations are accessible for both residents and visitors to the area who support the local economy.”

Director Wendy Booth, President, Union of BC Municipalities

“Every year the federal Gas Tax Fund assists municipalities by providing flexible, stable and predictable funding for local public infrastructure projects.  This project has benefits for more than one community and provides safe access for all boaters in the area.”

Mayor Greg Martin, Village of Queen Charlotte

“My Council and I want to thank the funders and everyone else who made this project a reality.  The steeper grade makes it easier to launch and keep the truck’s brakes dry, and stepping off the floating dock is a lot nicer than climbing over your boat’s windshield to get in.”

Quick Facts

• Since 2005, Northern Development has committed nearly $5.8 million to 145 projects throughout Haida Gwaii.
• Nearly $1 million has been committed to projects in and around the Village of Queen Charlotte
• The Economic Diversification Infrastructure program provides grant funding to support major infrastructure projects in order to strengthen the local economy.
• The program provides up to $250,000 in grant funding to a maximum of 70% of the eligible project budget.
• Other notable EDI projects funded by the Trust on Haida Gwaii include: the Cow Bay Marina Upgrades, Mount Moresby Adventure Camp Upgrades and the Haida Heritage Centre

Links

http://www.queencharlotte.ca/content/boat-launch

Contact

Lori Wiedeman
Chief Administrative Officer
Village of Queen Charlotte
cao@queencharlotte.ca
250-637-1782