Veteran's Quay Royal Canadian Legion Branch 32 Bay Roberts, Newfoundland

The official opening of the Veteran's Quay was held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 32, in Bay Roberts, on Saturday, September 25, 1999. The official ceremony was officiated by Comrade Philip Wood, and was attended by special guests Comrade Gene Bursey (Branch President), Comrade Rex Badstock (Provincial President), Comrade Bill Tetford (District 2), Mayor Wilbur Sparkes, Honorable John Efford (MHA Port de Grave, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture), along with members of the Terra Nova Yacht Club (Holyrood) and the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club (Long Pond). The meal consisted of all Newfoundland dishes and wine products, and was exquisitly prepared and served by members of the Legion Branch 32.

"There is no doubt about it, we are very proud of our accomplishments as they relate to the Quay. It was a lot of work, but it was worth it."

The project itself was only a dream about seven years ago. However, we could not get it to work. With membership down and revenue declining, the Club recognized that the future of Branch #32 was in jeopardy if nothing was done. Thus, with the interest in sailing and boating increasing, and with the Branch being situated on the water - a dream/plan - why not build a Marina?

In January of 1997 a few members met with the Town of Bay Roberts and our MHA, Hon. John Efford, and essentially said it is now or never!! With the Town and John onboard, we approached HRD for funding. They agreed, however, the bulk of their funding (70%) would be in the form of labour. We were in desperate need of capital funding!! Thus, the idea of approaching Business and to see how they could help. They responded in an Execllent fashion. We got poles from both NewTel Communications and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, as well as deals on lumber and concrete from various other businesses. Some additional funding came via the Provincial Government and from our own Branch#32. In addition, the Town of Bay Roberts, realizing that the whole town would benefit from such a facility, came onside in a big way by providing dollars, equipment and workers.

Over the course of the next 2 years we went from basically nothing (a few sticks at the back) to a 2.3 million dollar facility. The Quay offers a protected place to dock, water and power to boaters, a picnic area, a Clubroom for food, refreshments and entertainment. In addition, it is right in the middle of Town, giving people the opportunity to access whatever they need! In addition, the Quay has become  a centralized location for special events such as New Year's Eve, Klondyke Days and July 1st. celebrations.

A s a result of our efforts and the support of the public and our visitors, the future of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #32, Bay Roberts, looks very BRIGHT!!

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