A plan to make improvements to make it easier for Marine Atlantic ferries to dock in Port aux Basques is going through the environmental assessment process with government. The primary part of this project involves the removal of Vardy’s Rock (also known as Vardy’s Island). Other work includes widening and deepening the approach channel and turning basin through the removal of rock south and southwest of Vardy’s Rock, as well as a portion of Baldwin Rock. Dredged rock would be reused to repair and upgrade the existing Pikes Island Breakwater and create an infill area at Pikes Island, which may support the development of new fish habitat in the outer harbour. Construction is expected to take about 12 months and should not impact ferry schedules. The deadline for public comment is October 20th.
