GUYSBOROUGH, N.S. — Hurricane Dorian left an indelible mark across the province, just ask members of the Guysborough Waterfront Development Society (GWDS).
The non-profit community organization oversees the Guysborough Marina, which was damaged extensively by the late summer storm.
“It was pretty sad to watch,” GWDS chair Paul Long said, when asked about the mood during the unforgettable weather blast.
GWDS board members have come together since the hurricane to discuss the damage and what has to happen to make the necessary repairs.
“There has been fairly significant damage,” Long said, including to the finger piers.
They will be removed as part of the early repair process, while boaters will be able to launch and tie-up on the main docks for the rest of the season, which he noted is “pretty well over.”
“One of the two main service docks was destroyed,” Long said.
Wood has also been lifted, while welds have been cracked on the two ramps – just to name a couple more effects of the storm.
Most boats were removed before Dorian lashed the area.
“It is always full of boaters,” Long noted of the marina.
Paying the price
The GWDS has a mandate to preserve not only the Guysborough Marina, but also the adjacent Jost’s Wharf Building and Chedabucto Chandlery, “to create programs and activities that enhance the cultural and economic development of the downtown waterfront core for the benefit of all.”
As its mission reflects, the volunteer board of directors “relies on the support of individuals, the business community and corporations to keep this important community asset accessible to the public.”
With these recent rough seas, Long agreed, the GWDS will continue to rely on those kindnesses.
“People started jumping in right away,” Long said.
Guysborough business Days Gone By hosted a pub night, Oct. 5, which featured the talents of Reid Jamieson, along with several other performers.
“We are grateful for all the support and we know that is going to continue,” he added.
There is also planning in the works for a larger fundraiser later this year.
Noting there is a $7,500 deductible for the marina, while the GWDS pays more than $8,000 for insurance each year, Long explained the organization is working with an insurance adjuster regarding its claim.
“It is going to be expensive,” he said, when asked about the price tag for the repairs.
Long added the goal is to have the marina “back on its feet” for next summer.
For more information on the marina recovery, including how people can help, contact Long at [email protected], or any other member of the GWDS board of directors.
