Canada Invests $18.4m in Small Harbors

The Government of Canada invests in Newfoundland and Labrador's small craft harbors

Senator Fabian Manning, on behalf of the Honorable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced an $18.4 million investment in improvement projects at small craft harbors in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In addition to supporting a number of repair and re-dredging projects as well as technical studies that will be carried out at small craft harbors throughout the province this year, the investment will support the following major projects:

• Harbor refurbishment at Bartlett’s Harbor involving reconstruction of the main wharf, basin dredging, and a new electrical service;
• Breakwater repairs at Blue Beach;
• Harbor improvements at Branch, to begin in 2015;
• Completion of wharf reconstruction projects at Brig Bay, Long Cove, and Port de Grave;
• Wharf reconstruction at Conche;
• Refurbishment of facilities on the north side at Cow Head, over two years;
• Completion of widening the access to the Ship Cove wharf at Burin;
• Completion of wharf reconstruction at Fermeuse;
• Floating wharf replacement at Francois and at Greenspond;
• Removal of a finger pier at Happy Adventure that will be replaced with a floating wharf;
• Electrical system installation at Valleyfield;
• Completion of wharf deck reconstruction at Hermitage;
• Continuation of harbor development at Mary’s Harbor that includes wharves, a launching ramp, and a small boat basin, over three years;
• Wharf reconstruction at Ramea to replace a cribwork wharf with a new treated timber structure;
• Shore protection improvements at St. David’s (Crabbe’s River) and Westport;
• Wharf extension at Twillingate (Shoal Tickle);
• Construction of a launching ramp at Bird Cove; and
• Maintenance dredging at Trout River.

“In Newfoundland and Labrador, where the fishing industry is part of the daily fabric of society, small craft harbors play a significant role,” Manning said. “Our Government is pleased to invest in these facilities to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the commercial fishing industry and stimulate local economies. These investments are an important way our government supports coastal communities.”

The Honorable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, added, “The Government of Canada is proud to invest in Newfoundland and Labrador’s harbors and to ensure that fishermen and commercial harbor users have safe access and reliable facilities to carry out their daily activities. The funding announced today will maintain a network of safe and efficient harbors across Canada and contribute to continued economic growth and prosperity for Newfoundland and Labrador fishermen.”

Funding for these projects is part of the Government of Canada’s investment of approximately $106 million in repair, construction, maintenance and dredging projects at small craft harbors across Canada. This includes $66 million in regular program funding for the Small Craft Harbors Program in 2014-15 and an additional $40 million over two years, as announced in Economic Action Plan 2014.

The Small Craft Harbors Program is responsible for more than 1,000 small craft harbors across Canada which support nearly 90% of all commercial fish landings in Canada. The Government of Canada undertakes harbor improvement projects in cooperation with the local harbor authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.