A new year-round 60-slip marina is opening in Port Renfrew on May 15 as eco-tourism and recreational fishing increasingly play a role in rebuilding the small Island community.
A gas station — the first in many years — is also in the works and could open next month, locals say.
Developers have started building homes and improving existing buildings as they look forward to continuing growth in Port Renfrew, about an hour and 20 minute drive from Sooke.
“I think the interface between the land and the water is one of the major components for any community on the west coast to grow and we’re providing that,” said Paul McFadden, president of Pacific Gateway Marina, where new breakwaters wrap around the slips to create a sheltered area. Bookings are already coming in from fishing charters.
“Our fishing is world-class. When you hit Swiftsure Bank, it is really unlimited,” McFadden said.
Swiftsure Bank, west of Port Renfrew at the entrance of Juan de Fuca Strait, is a magnet for anglers chasing salmon and halibut.
Developer Mill Bay Marine Group includes senior partner Andrew Purdey of Ruskin Construction and as well as McFadden and Dwayne Shaw.
The new marina replaces a 50-slip seasonal marina, which has been operating under a three-year permit from the Capital Regional District. Another three years is on the books and the developer’s next step is to seek rezoning to allow permanent commercial activities.
In the past, the marina only operated on a seasonal basis and vessel owners hauled boats out for the winter months.
Now, boaters can use it for 12 months. Marine gasoline and diesel fuel will be available.
Plans also call for a food truck, fish processing facility, an on-land vessel storage area, washrooms and helicopter pad.
The partners also have up-land property suitable in the future for cabins and possibly a lodge, McFadden said. Marina construction costs are not being revealed, but “it is a pretty substantial project,” he said.
Other area marinas include Butch’s Moorage, the Pacheedaht campground and marina, Port Renfrew Marina and RV Park and the Port Renfrew Community Dock Society’s 25-slip marina.
Some facilities are on Gordon River while others are on Port San Juan in marine waters.
Mike Hicks, Juan de Fuca electoral area director for the CRD, said he is open to hearing all views on the marina’s rezoning plan.
The new slips will meet demand for more berths and supplement existing marinas with established clientele, he said.
New business will create more opportunities in the community of about 200, Hicks said.
Logging still provides jobs for some long-term residents, while others are finding work in hospitality and related tourism ventures. The community’s increasing popularity is delivering jobs, Hicks said. “Every kid in town is employed in the summer,
“I think the whole thing is fantastic.”
Hicks said he shut down his Port Renfrew fishing lodge to transfer it to his children for a family retreat and possible rental.
On top of fishing, Port Renfrew is also near to the West Coast Trail, Juan de Fuca Trail, Avatar Grove, massive West Coast trees, China Beach and Sombrio Beach. It is home of the Tall Tree Music Festival, and is part of the Pacific Marine Circle Route running through Lake Cowichan.
Last year, Ian Laing Properties and Three Point Properties bought the Port Renfrew Hotel building housing the pub, 11 cabins, the Lighthouse Pub building and a 23-unit motel now being renovated.
“The occupancy rate is going through the roof,” Laing said. “The pub is busy and getting busier.”
The developers have CRD approval to build another 25 units and Laing expects to build about half of those this year.
He’s looking forward to what is said to be a planned card-lock gas station on Pacheedaht First Nation land. A band official was not immediately available.
Karl Alback, of Port Renfrew Management Ltd., is rolling out a 20-lot subdivision for single-family homes this year. Quarter-acre lots will sell for between $99,900 and $149,000 and it will be up to the buyers to build a house.
Subdivision approval requires the company to provide a new drinking water reservoir that will double its capacity, he said.
