The Rafferty Dam Marina has advanced by leaps and bounds in terms of use and refinement over the past few years, but a stalwart tiny band of volunteers is getting a bit tired.
“It’s looking like an early spring and the volunteers who try to keep the marina in good condition are getting ready for the fishing and pleasure boating season,” said Barry Dies, one of the dedicated team members who have committed a lot of time and physical labour into marina improvements over the past few years.
“There is a fair amount of work to be done before May 5, opening day of the fishing season,” he added.
Some repairs have already been made to the two docks located at the boat launch. Dies said last October’s high winds did some damage, but a new dock has already been built, thanks to a donation, by a couple who are avid fishers, to the marina team. Dies said work is still needed on that particular project to see it to completion. He said the security/surveillance system will also be upgraded again, thanks to local donations.
He said the current security system appears to be working well since the vandalism incidents have been significantly reduced and those that did happen, have been more thoroughly investigated by police thanks to surveillance videos. The upgrade will enhance that system.
“We’ve set our annual general meeting date for March 23 (Wednesday) in the Elks Club Room. If anyone is interested in hearing more about the marina and the projects, or would like to help out in some way, come out and support us,” said Dies. The meeting gets underway at 8 p.m.
The marina has been the recipient of several generous business donations over the years either in materials, equipment or volunteer time. That makes the dock and launch maintenance tasks a lot easier.
“People are beginning to realize there isn’t much that’s free anymore. They have stepped up to the plate to help out to support this nice facility, and those on the committee have been babying the budget and financial statements very carefully. This marina is not government funded so we rely on the donations and what is in the account at the start of each year,” Dies added.
About five or six people have made the big efforts in keeping the marina clean and safe and keeping the parking lot levelled and the entrance road tidy and in as good repair as they can manage under the circumstances.
“We’re always thinking and talking about what something is going to cost and can we afford to do it?” he said.
The Honest John donation box located on the side of one of the two donated seacan containers that house the equipment, seems to be working, but those who launch boats at the marina are having to be reminded on a regular basis that a small donation goes a long way. That means the volunteers often drive out to the marina to post notes under windshield wipers asking the boaters and fishers to remember that fact.
“If we could find a few more people to volunteer on a regular basis to help with maintenance, it would be great because some of the regulars are getting older and would like to pass their knowledge and skills on to another team or two. We do hear from people about them wanting to volunteer and they tell us to just give them a call, but when we do, we hear they’re just going out the door to head to the lake, or off to Regina or Minot for the weekend. So we need people who are genuinely interested in what is happening out there and are willing to give a few hours a week.”
Dies said the bare minimum cost to open and operate the marina each season, is around $2,500 which pays for the utilities, security system and insurance. But those costs keep mounting.
Dies said there could be some senior government grants available later for future projects, but none available for ongoing operations, upkeep or rebuilding. He added the Estevan Wildlife Federation has been a big supporter and friend, but, they too, are a volunteer organization that require funding for their programming and projects.
“There is no denying, the Rafferty Marina has grown in popularity over the years. Boundary Dam’s launch boat is now within the regional park system, so people have to pay up front to access that launch. The Rafferty boat launch has to rely on donations and the honour box system.”
Dies added that on any given spring or summer weekday the Rafferty Marina will have 15 to 20 boats launched from their docks, and on weekends, if the weather is decent, that number will climb to over 50 boats whose operators will enjoy the vast expansive waters of the reservoir.
“In the future, we’d love to make the case for further development along the shore and with the reservoir system, but right now, we’re focusing on making this marina service work and keeping it in good condition,” Dies said.
