Thanks in part to some much-needed volunteer help from Riverside Repairs, the Cottonwood Marina may open this summer after all.
While the District of Fort St. James had initially thought damage to the marina done by ice would be too severe and too costly to repair to open for this season, hard work by volunteers and public works staff may mean the wharf will indeed be able to be used.
However, before it can open, a marine surveyor will be brought in by the District of Fort St. James to inspect the facility.
The surveyor should be able to assess the site within the next week or two, allowing for start up of the facility hopefully next month.
Riverside Repairs owner Arlan Gainor was instrumental in getting the work completed, and Councillor Riley Willick moved at the last council meeting to have his work recognized by a letter of thanks from the municipality and an offer of free moorage for the season for his boat.
While some people are still using the marina to dock their boats, the marina is not open or staffed at this time, which means owners currently leave their boats there at their own risk.
For further information on the marina opening, contact the District of Fort St. James at 996-8482.