The Government of Canada Invests in Seven Fishing Harbours in Central Nova

Owl’s Head,
Nova Scotia July 11, 2016

On behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament for Central Nova, announced today that the Government of Canada is investing $10.8 million over the next two years in the repair and maintenance of harbour infrastructure at seven small craft harbours in Central Nova.

“I am very proud to announce this major investment for the commercial fishing infrastructure in Central Nova. It’s about investing in people, promoting inclusive growth and building stronger communities. The work carried out will not only renew and maintain the infrastructure that is essential to the region, but also stimulate job opportunities for workers in the short-term, and promote long-term growth in the fishing industry in Central Nova,” said Fraser.

Small craft harbours play an important role in providing coastal communities and the commercial fishing industry with safe and accessible facilities. With more than 76,000 Canadians employed by the commercial fishing industry, this investment will continue to support the growth and economic development of this major Canadian industry.

“Infrastructure investment is a priority for our Government. It is good for all Canadians and good for the Canadian economy. It’s just one more example of the federal government’s commitment to promote the fishing industry—a key economic sector for a number of regions. We are proud of this investment, which will foster employment opportunities that benefit local workers and support coastal communities for years to come,” said LeBlanc.

This investment will allow the following projects to be carried out:

• Marie Joseph – The wharf extension project which is underway will be completed shortly and a project to replace the electrical system will be carried out during the summer of 2016.

• Owls Head – A two-year, major project involving the construction of a new wharf with rock protection will be completed. As well, the harbour basin will be dredged by the fall of 2016.

• Port Bickerton East – A major, two-year project is being initiated to remove the outer section of the wharf and to build a wharf extension. The project is to be completed by the spring of 2018.

• Sonora – The final phase of a multi-year project to replace the deteriorated service wharf with a new structure will be completed in the summer of 2016. As well, a launching ramp will be constructed, with this work to be completed by the spring of 2017.

• Arisaig – A project to replace a deteriorated wharf located at the north breakwater will begin this fall and is expected to be completed in the spring of 2017.

• Ballantynes Cove – A project to replace a barricaded wharf with a new structure was recently completed. Additional work this year will involve basin dredging and the construction of a containment cell to be completed by the spring of 2017.

• Caribou Ferry – An ongoing major project to construct a new breakwater wharf will be completed in the late fall of 2016. In addition, a two-year project to re-align the existing breakwater, construct a breakwater wharf and install new floating wharves will begin this year with work is to be completed by the spring of 2018.

Quick Facts
• The Government of Canada is investing $289 million this year in Canadian small craft harbours including funding recently announced in Budget 2016.

• The mandate of the Small Craft Harbours Program is to keep harbours critical to the commercial fishing industry open and in good repair.

• Small craft harbours provide critical support to the commercial fishing industry, which contributed $6 billion to the Canadian economy in 2015.

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada supports more than 1000 harbours across Canada with more than 5000 volunteers from harbour authorities.

• Harbour restoration projects are undertaken in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.