Friends of Newport

Newport Stoney Creek History

(Contributed by Harbour Master Jack Dumbleton)

In the summer of 1989 Newport marina came to life. The marina was built dry. All of the soil that was removed was placed on either side of the Queen Elizabeth overpass at Fruitland Road. All the pilings were driven in and the docks were constructed on the marina floor. When all was completed the sand was removed from the entranceway and the water flowed into the harbour.

The original developers concept was to have a world class Marina with beautiful homes surrounding it. The Marina Complex on the completion more than 20 years ago had a price tag of $6.2 million dollars.

The developer advertising and marketing strategies were superb. A model home at the north end of Sunvale had a 25 foot (7.6m) cabin cruiser in the swimming pool. It has been told that there were barbecues, helicopter rides near the entrance and sleigh rides in the winter.

Another fact that may not be known that sadly during an event of offshore racers, one of the boats caught a wave head on which flipped the boat in the entrance way killing the driver. This horrific accident was caught on video by a CHCH TV crew and to this day is used in the Burlington Power & Sail Squadron boating course.

Unfortunately, due to a growing number of problems, the builder was not able to compete his vision.

Neptune

It has been stated many times that Neptune is facing the wrong way. It has been suggested Neptune should face the lake to welcome boaters at the harbour entrance. How would the Statue of Liberty look turned around? What do you you think?

Construction >

The photo at the right shows the channel after being excavated. The seawall was constructed next then back filled with rock. All piping, electrical, TV cable and telephone service was installed and finally the boardwalk.

< Construction

The beach area was in placed to dam out the lake until the construction of the Marina was completed.

Just The Facts

Number of Slips - 250

Depth - 10 feet at rear / 20 feet at middle

Length of Boardwalk - 3,126 feet 7 inches (947.5m)

Planks in the Boardwalk - 20,319

Number of Nails - 203,190 (Jack counted the nails)

Power & Water Pedetals - 95 (54 on Boardwalk / 41 on Floating Docks)

Number of Lights in Pedestals - 190

Number of Light Standards - 38

Longest Dock - G at 276 feet 8 inches (84m)

Piping - 1.75 miles (2.8km)

For answers to questions or comments regarding this web site please email info@newportstoneycreek.com.