Governments Support Improvements to Port of Caraquet
News Release
July 5, 2017– Caraquet N.B. – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Strategic community infrastructure investments help enhance tourism growth and economic development across New Brunswick. Thanks to investments of more than $1.2 million from the federal, provincial and municipal government, the Port of Caraquet Committee will make infrastructure improvements to the Caraquet wharf and expand services for recreational boaters, increasing the number of visitors to the region.
Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie-Bathurst, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, Hédard Albert, MLA for Caraquet, on behalf of Hon. Donald Arseneault, minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation, and his Worship Kevin Haché, Mayor of the Town of Caraquet joined the Port of Caraquet Committee members for the announcement today.
The project will include the construction of a boat launch as well as the purchase and installation of 111 docking quays for recreational boats at the Port of Caraquet to support increased visitation and overnight stays to the area.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), is providing the Port of Caraquet Committee with a non-repayable contribution of $620,076, the Province of New Brunswick is investing $489,966, while the Town of Caraquet is providing $125,000 to support the project.
This project builds on the Government of Canada’s and the Province of New Brunswick’s commitment to work together to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada's economy, including supporting key infrastructure projects that support long-term growth and position the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Quotes
‘’Recreational activities and facilities form an essential part of every community. The Government of Canada recognizes that investing in such facilities celebrates our heritage, creates jobs, and improves the quality of life for all Canadians.’’
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
‘‘The Government of Canada is committed to investing in initiatives that contribute to the vibrancy of communities. These infrastructure improvements will expand recreational opportunities for local citizens while enhancing the local economy by attracting more tourists to the region, which will help generate benefits for years to come.’’
- Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie-Bathurst
“New Brunswickers want us to focus on job creation and economic growth, and that is why the tourism industry plays an important role in our government’s economic vision. Our investment in this important community infrastructure project will help us make New Brunswick a top tourism destination for both visitors and residents.”
- Hédard Albert, MLA for Caraquet, on behalf of Hon. Donald Arseneault, minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation
“Chaleur Bay is one of the most beautiful bays in the world and Caraquet deserves infrastructure worthy of this great reputation. We are proud of the work we have accomplished and we are looking forward to the arrival of tourism at sea.”
- His Worship Kevin Haché, Mayor of the Town of Caraquet
“I am very pleased with today’s announcement. This project with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Regional Development Corporation, our municipality, as well as our partners, will allow us to improve the quality of services for our users and especially for this year’s expected high volume of visitors. It is truly remarkable that this project was managed by a committee of volunteers and that over fifty community members believed enough in our vision to become partners themselves.”
- Aldrice Comeau, President, Port of Caraquet Committee Inc.
Contacts
Dominique Bouchard
Communications Officer
ACOA NB
506-292-7524
Bruce Macfarlane
Director of Communications
Regional Development Corporation
506-444-4377
Kevin Haché
Mayor
Town of Caraquet
506-726-2727
Daniel Landry
Director General
Port of Caraquet Committee Inc.
506-727-6145