Boyd Coleridge’s Slipway

Boyd Coleridge’s Slipway is located in historic Trinity next to three Registered Heritage Structures.  Boyd's father, Peter, erected the fishing premises in this historic location more than 75 years ago.

Boyd Coleridge applied to the Fisheries Heritage Preservation Program (FHPP) in late 2005 to restore his slipway, which needed cribbing to restore functionality. The principal work undertaken was to replace rotten lungers and boards.  This was accomplished using locally cut timber processed at a nearby sawmill.  By early summer 2006 the project had been completed, and the results were excellent, leaving the slipway in first-rate condition.

With functionality restored, this slipway and its associated stage are now made useable for hauling boats.  The FHPP helped this historic fishing premises more closely resemble its original look, and allows it to contribute to the overall heritage area in which it sits.

Francis Toope’s Stage

Francis Toope’s Stage, located in historic Trinity, was built by Mr. Toope in 1959 and used by him and his son in the fishing industry until the cod moratorium closed it in 1992.  Since that time the stage has sat idle.  It is a recognizable structure, though, as it is featured on postcards from Trinity and is highly visible at the entrance to Trinity. 

Mr. Toope applied to the Fisheries Heritage Preservation Program in late 2005 to do preservation work on his stage such as replacement of cribbing and painting of its exterior.  The structure was in otherwise sound condition. 

By mid-July of 2006 the preservation work had taken place.  Work undertaken included, “replacement of lungers and wharf sticks on the wharf.  Removal of old asphalt shingles and replacement with new ones and one coat of paint on the exterior”, said Mr. Toope.

Problems Toope faced when doing this work were relatively minor.  Upon removal of old clapboard some rotten wood was found and subsequently replaced.  The painting also cause a small issue since it soaked into the new clapboard, requiring a second coat.  Unfortunately, due to lack of finances only a first coat of paint was available, and painting will occur at a future time.

The restoration of this fisheries building has received enthusiastic support from the community, who are proud to have such structures in their historic town.

Thomas Spurrell's Stage

Thomas Spurrell's Stage is located in picturesque Trinity, next to two heritage structures and in the heritage area of town.  The stage was built in 1960 by Sidney Miller and in 1972 it was purchased by Thomas Spurrell.  He used the stage for fishing on occasion, but mostly for tying up his boat, which he used as his primary mode of transportation in his job at the lighthouse at Fort Point.  Today the stage is used by neighbors and community members for tying up their boats, especially in stormy weather.

Mr. Spurrell's son, Gerald, is the present owner of the stage, and applied to the Fisheries Heritage Preservation Program in late 2005.  Mr. Spurrell said, "The structure was in such a condition that it was unsafe to use." At that time the building and stage head had been weather beaten by many winters of harbour ice and the cribbing was in poor condition.  A new window and door were also needed. 

In the spring of 2006 work was undertaken on the stage, one of only two remaining in Fishers Harbour in Trinity. "The principal work undertaken on this project included the removal of the old portion of the stage head, placing new lungers and wharf sticks in the stage/wharf to straighten it up and placement of rocks in the wharf to ensure stability of the structure and hopefully prevent any further damage to the wharf from harbour ice," said Gerald Spurrell.  Though the door and window were on the list to be done a lack of finances prevented that from happening at that time.

Thomas Spurrell's Stage, located in the Trinity Historic Area, now compliments the surrounding heritage homes. It is a draw for tourists to photograph and often lures artists to the natural scenery where they can sit and paint pictures of the structure.  It is an attraction for the town, acting as a visual reminder of Trinity's long fishing heritage.