Georgetown speculates about shipbuilding spillover
Irving's East Isle Shipyard has been closed for 5 years, Halifax facility prospers
Georgetown residents are wondering if Irving Shipbuilding has any plans for its closed East Isle Shipyard, after the federal government confirmed last week that the company's Halifax facility will be the prime contractor on the planned replacement for the Royal Canadian Navy frigates.
The government also formally announced Friday that Irving has been awarded a $2.3-billion build contract for six new Arctic Patrol vessels.
In 2011, Irving won a $25-billion contract to build 21 Canadian combat ships.
Meanwhile, the Georgetown shipyard has been closed for five years.
Specializing in building tugboats, it once employed 115 people, many of whom have moved out west for work.
Irving has not been able to find new contracts for the facility.
The Mayor of Georgetown Lewis Lavandier hopes some work will finally land in Georgetown.
"There could be possibilities, but you would think that if they were going to do anything in the area here in Georgetown we would be hearing something," he said.
'Good news coming in the shipyard'
Former mayor and local businessman, Peter Llewellyn is more optimistic and says there are signs Irving officials have been checking on the shipyard.
"Irving is very close to the chest, but I'm very optimistic that we're going to see something happen in the yard and, my own opinion, based on people I've been talking to, I think we're going to see it in April," said Llewellyn.
Opposition Leader Stephen Myers will meet with Irving officials next month. He says government has to encourage them to reopen the shipyard.
"Well certainly it's up to the provincial government to get to the table with the Irvings and try to draw some of it into our province," said Myers.
With the shipyard closed and the Irving-owned sawmill shut down as well, it's been difficult for the town.
"It made a difference when the high-paying jobs were in Georgetown. It certainly had a negative effect on the town, but the boys are resilient. They had to pack up and go west," said Lavandier.
Llewellyn said, "It's been tough for the town when we look at say, from the tax perspective, but I think there's good news coming in the shipyard and there's good news coming in the seafood industries."