The Department of Fisheries and Oceans announced it will transfer ownership of the pier in Lighthouse Cove to the Town of Lakeshore Thursday and they're handing it over better shape than they found it.
Mayor Tom Bain says some much needed improvements on the pier, boat launch and parking lot will be 100% funded by the ministry to the tune of $860,000.
"It will be tremendous for us in that it's been a long time since any work has been done there, so it will be a real boost for our tourism industry because this is where so many come out to boat and head out fishing," he says.
Lakeshore has been negotiating the transfer agreement for a few years now, and Bain says they've reached the best possible outcome for residents and the town.
"We're certainly excited to see it come to fruition and when the work is completed that the ministry will turn that ownership over to the municipality of Lakeshore," says Bain, who goes on to say the town's been negotiation with the ministry for several years.
Bain says work will begin immediately to assure the facility is ready to open in the spring.
— with files from AM800's Kristylee Varley.