Page 36 - Giv'er Miramichi Magazine - Christmas Giver 2023

Bay du Vin Wharf - A Local Meeting Place

By Trudy Duff

Bay du Vin is my birthplace. My father was
a fisherman here for most of his life until a health condition
made it necessary for him to leave the salt water. My husband
and I are residents here for five to six months yearly, so I
consider Bay du Vin my home. On our return each spring our
routine follows the same pattern – we walk out on the deck,
check the beach, raise the flag, say hello to neighbours, then
we walk the beach and go to Bay du Vin wharf.
This year the wharf was different. It appeared tired and
unkept. Garbage was strewn about, and boards were broken
and loose. Perhaps with closer examination it might be found
in need of structural repair. A few more years of neglect and
the wharf might be beyond repair. This was a disappointment
because over the years I've observed how well this wharf has
served not only residents of Bay du Vin, but surrounding area
and visitors from other parts of Canada and abroad. unloading passengers. It is used as a place to tie up while
While browsing through a booklet titled Looking Back - securing fuel, food, and water. Government boats launch from
a History of Bay du Vin compiled by the Anglican Church there as they go about their duties of taking water samples,
Homen in 1979, I found a section on wharves in this area. The checking boats for safety equipment, etc.
first was built in 1895 at Bay du Vin Beach. Severe storms in I've observed local people while fishing off the wharf
1937 and 1940 damaged it greatly. A smaller wharf which was willing to assist others - young and old so that they too can
built between 1930-1935 could be enlarged but the enjoy the thrill of pulling in the big one or small one.
Government could not keep up both. The people of the area I see the wharf as a gathering place, a place to share news,
made the wise decision to use the Bay du Vin location and discuss ideas, meet people new to or visiting the area. Each
increase the size of that wharf since it would offer more summer we have met people on the wharf from other parts of
protection from storms. Canada and abroad.
I expect that over the years a large amount of money has Let’s suppose that some day a sign appears reading “Wharf
gone into repairs. Recently I've heard comments that the Bay Closed”. How would that impact Bay du Vin and the
du Vin wharf isn't used enough to warrant more funding for surrounding area? If the people here are concerned, I feel now
repairs and upkeep. I beg to differ. is the time for them to get involed and voice their opinion.
My frequent visits this summer have found the wharf Once the wharf is gone, we won't get it back. I understand there
quite busy and used for a variety of purposes. A few fishing is government money available for such a project.
boats, not as many as in the days gone by, use it to launch and Perhaps someone who has up-to-date information
load equipment as well as to tie up. Many pleasure boats large regarding the wharf situation would kindly respond to me.
and small - pontoon boats, cruisers, sail boats, kayaks, and Trudy Duff, a concerned resident, tntduff@icloud.com
personal watercraft use the launch facilities while loading and

36 www.GiverMiramichi.com Christmas 2023