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ROSSPORT—The Rossport Marina Scoping Plan represents a three year “Roadmap”, that provides the sustainable operations and structural improvement of Rossport Marina.
In a recent news release, Rossport Marina Non-Profit Inc., also known as the Rossport Dock Committee gave the Municipality an update.
The update announced, “The achievement of the next step in its guiding document: The Rossport Marina Scoping Plan: A Three-Year Roadmap to Sustainable Operation and Site Development.”
This document represents the completion of a structural assessment of the Rossport dock and boat launch completed in January 2022 by JML Engineering, Thunder Bay, and assisted by Ontario’s Superior country, a local non -profit marketing organization.
The purpose of the structural assessment was threefold:
- To identify the current physical state of the dock.
- To identify the current physical state of the boat launch area.
- To make recommendations for repairs.
“The original dock was constructed over 40 years ago” explained Paul Turpin, RDC president. “Repairs have been completed over that time, but the dock has deteriorated significantly in the past five years. The dock is an important part of the community and region and provides a gateway to the National Marine Conservation Area.”
According to their news release, the results of the assessment were reviewed by the Rossport Dock Committee who then concluded that the dock was in the range of poor to very poor condition.
The engineering report highlighted the very poor condition of the timber cribs, and that as a result, the dock had reached the end of its functional design life. As a further finding, the engineering report also noted that the east-west leg of the dock was no longer competently connected to the crib structure below the dock.
“There continues to be limited docking space on the north-south leg of the dock and services (pump out, water, docking) that will be accessible on that section. The boat launch is open and will operate as it always has,” stated harbourmaster Bill Collinson. This lack of docking space at the marina was the result of the need to close of the east-west leg of the dock. And since the cost and process of rehabilitation of the current dock was estimated to be more than half the cost of replacing the structure, Rossport Dock Committee decided that replacement of the dock represented the most sustainable option.
Cathy Collinson, secretary/treasurer of the Rossport Dock Committee stated, “A new dock allows the committee to consider increased berthing, improved launch facilities, and an improved visitor experience at the Rossport Marina – all priorities identified during the community consultation process held in 2021.”
Highlighted in their news release, the Rossport Dock Committee identified next steps for this project.
These include:
- To complete a Land Asset Management Plan which is part of the pre-design study
- To include geotechnical work, drawings of the proposed marina layout (washrooms, kiosk, fuel installation, kayak launch, two boat launches, parking etc.)
- To determine wharf layout, and costs for all proposed capital projects.
The Rossport Dock Committee indicated that in partnership with Parks Canada, they have commenced the process of completing an agreement to move forward with this next step. Once the development of a Land Asset Management Plan is developed, a Strategic Plan will be completed to outline what the partners describe as, “The most efficient and sustainable practices for management of the Rossport Marina going forward,” will be.
Should any further information be required about this news release and Rossport Dock Committee update contact: Cathy Collinson, secretary/treasurer Rossport Marina (807) 823-0883.
