The Fortune Port Corporation is making significant upgrades at the Port of Fortune to accommodate two new state-of-the-art ferries that will operate between the Town of Fortune and the French islands of St. Pierre et Miquelon on a year-round basis. The project includes expanding the existing wharf, enhancing traffic flow on the waterfront and improving directional signage. This initiative will enable the Town of Fortune and local businesses to capitalize on tourism and economic development opportunities arising from an increase in the number of visitors to the area and the transport of goods and services.

“The visitor economy is one of Canada's most important growth opportunities. That is why our government is committed to helping communities across Canada like Fortune grow their tourism sectors. This investment in this key piece of infrastructure will help draw more visitors to the Fortune area, support business growth, boost the local economy and contribute to the vitality of communities throughout the Burin Peninsula.”

- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie

“Our government understands the importance of resilience, dedication and cooperation in building a strong, prosperous and adept economy. This project with the Fortune Port Corporation exemplifies the benefits that can be realized through strong partnerships and respectful negotiations. We are thrilled to invest in these enhancements to the wharf and surrounding facilities at the Port of Fortune. I commend everyone involved for their commitment to this project and to strengthening this region’s economy as well as Canada’s relations with the French islands of St. Pierre et Miquelon.”

- Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista–Burin–Trinity on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Our government continues to capitalize on opportunities to grow and enhance the economy In Newfoundland and Labrador. This initiative to significantly upgrade the port in Fortune will play a role in providing year round access to our neighbours in St. Pierre and Miquelon, helping to drive and develop tourism opportunities in the region and increase business activity.”

- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation 

“There has been a long and binding relationship between St. Pierre et Miquelon and Newfoundland and Labrador, and Fortune has been at the centre of that relationship. With the upgrades that will take place to the wharf and infrastructure thanks to the funding announced today, that relationship will be even more firmly cemented as we move forward. The Fortune Port Authority can rightfully be proud of today’s announcement, as it is their vision and tenaciousness that made this possible.”

- The Honourable Carol Anne Haley, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister responsible for the Status of Women and MHA for Burin–Grand Bank

“The Fortune Port Corporation appreciates the support from ACOA and the provincial government, which is enabling us to complete strategic infrastructure upgrades at the Port of Fortune. The upgrades will help attract more tourists to the Burin Peninsula year-round, generate economic activity for the Fortune area and enhance our important relationship with the French islands.”

- Earl Rose, President, Fortune Port Corporation

• The Government of Canada is investing $1,000,000 in this project through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), while the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing $500,000 through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation.

• The Fortune Port Corporation operates the only designated port of call for vessel traffic between St. Pierre et Miquelon and Newfoundland and Labrador.

• The Port of Fortune is an important link between the French territory and Canada, providing a point of access for people, goods and services.

• St. Pierre et Miquelon’s new ferries will transport double the number of passengers as well as carry personal and commercial vehicles. The previous ferry transported passengers and limited cargo only, and operated on a seasonal basis.

Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca
 
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 709-725-9655
Erichumber@gov.nl.ca

Earl Rose
President
Fortune Port Corporation
709-832-5615
fortuneharbour@hotmail.com