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Port of Yarmouth unveils master plan

By BRIAN MEDEL Yarmouth Bureau
Sat. Mar 7 - 4:46 AM
YARMOUTH — The success of a revitalized waterfront here will hinge on a year-round ferry service able to move large numbers of transport trucks to the United States quickly, says a presenter of a recently unveiled port plan for Yarmouth.

"All of that traffic can funnel through Yarmouth," said Jeff Munroe, a study consultant.

Addressing a public meeting Wednesday, he talked of 50 to 60 trucks per ferry crossing and the establishment of a global logistics park, or freight marshalling yard, where shippers from across the province could gather their equipment.

A U.S. Customs pre-clearance facility is also on the port’s radar.

These recommendations and plenty of others are contained in a master plan for the port unveiled Wednesday.

The federal government contributed $35,000 toward the study, which was completed in about seven months by the MacDonnell Group.

The plan calls for $6.5 million worth of harbour dredging and $12 million for a global logistics / freight district.

Material dredged from the bottom of the harbour could be used to expand the logistics and freight marshalling yard, said Mr. Munroe.

Another $1.5 million in wharf and ferry terminal upgrades would bring the initial cash outlay to $20 million.

The Port of Yarmouth has applied for federal funding, said port manager Dave Whiting.

They just don’t know yet how much money they will get initially, he said.

"People are very passionate about this waterfront," said Mr. Munroe when he described the study.

New residential development along the waterfront will bring 24-hour activity to the area, said Mr. Munroe. And a signature waterfront attraction, like an aquarium or entertainment complex, would round out the harbour enhancements.

It’s an ambitious plan that may take many years to complete.

But Mr. Munroe said the plan should not be left to "collect dust."

"Make it happen," he told his audience.