Re: Port Sidney Marina’s proposal impacts entire town (Letters, Aug. 31)
Sometime in the early 90’s Mel Couvelier on behalf of Sidney businesses found federal and provincial money to build what was supposed to be a public marina.
In February 1991 we had our dive charter boat parked at the yellow zone of what should be temporary moorage and at 9 a.m. I received a phone call from marina manager Bennett Brown telling me to get out.
I found this phone call very strange, as had we not just built a public marina? I approached the owner Kim Pullen with this dilemma but he did not care.
Unfortunately as it turned out the marina had somehow managed to become a privately leased and managed marina.
Port Sidney marina soon became the subject of the worst publicity any town could ever want, with alleged notices all the way down the coast telling boaters to stay away from this unfriendly marina. ‘Dockominium’ owners have met in our banquet room, furious at the way they had been treated.
In my opinion Port Sidney has been a poor corporate neighbour. The marina should remain as is until the lease is up.
More importantly, the upland property owners input regarding any changes to Port Sidney should be heard and respected.
Denis Paquette
Sidney Waterfront Inn
Sidney