Pointe-du-Chêne wharf rebuilds and strengthens
News release
August 29, 2024 · Pointe-du-Chêne, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
When Hurricane Fiona ravaged cities and towns along the Atlantic coast, the Government of Canada responded quickly with programs designed to help the region with long-term recovery efforts and adaptations. These efforts helped businesses and communities recover, restore and rebuild for the future.
Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Member of Parliament for Beauséjour, announced more than $8.2 million in non-repayable contributions through the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund (HFRF) for two projects at the Pointe-du-Chêne wharf. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.
ACOA is providing $7,640,810 to the Pointe-du-Chêne Harbour Authority (PDCHA) and $577,490 to the Pointe-du-Chêne Yacht Club (PCYC) to support restoration of the wharf, a key regional tourism asset, following damages caused by Hurricane Fiona.
The projects include the rehabilitation of the wharf access, walking paths and parking areas, the restoration of the Yacht Club’s infrastructure, as well as repairs to the deck and buildings to improve climate resilience.
The Province of New Brunswick is also contributing $2,300,000 to the PDCHA for the wharf restoration.
Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting communities and businesses impacted by Hurricane Fiona and helping them build resilience against climate-related disasters.
Quotes
“Atlantic Canadians know that to weather the storm, we need to pull together. ACOA is partnering with businesses and community organizations to focus support where it’s most needed and help people prepare for future climate-induced weather events. Through the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund, your federal government was there to help strengthen communities, rebuild livelihoods, and safeguard our region’s economy.”
- The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“In the wake of Hurricane Fiona, Atlantic Canada has proven to be resilient, and the individuals, businesses, and communities that rely on the Wharf have worked tirelessly to recover. Today’s announcement will ensure the wharf can host visitors and water crafts for decades to come with added protections against future climate-related storms.”
- The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Member of Parliament for Beauséjour
“We are responding to the impact of climate change by investing in projects like the upgrades to the Pointe-du-Chêne harbour infrastructure. The upgrades will protect the wharf from the type of damage experienced during Hurricane Fiona. This investment will generate additional economic activity by providing a safe space for more businesses to locate, which will have positive economic spin-offs for both the region and the province.”
- Réjean Savoie, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation
“The establishment of the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund by the Government of Canada was a godsend for the Harbour Authority. The damages incurred by the Harbour Authority property were extensive and it’s questionable that we could have opened the Wharf to the visiting public and various stakeholders for the 2023 season. The Fund allowed the Harbour Authority to substantially improve the resilience of the Wharf infrastructure. This will enable the said infrastructure to better withstand the impacts of future major storms.”
- Kim Murray-Atkinson, President, Pointe-du-Chêne Harbour Authority Inc.
‘’The timely opening of the Pointe-du-Chene Yacht Club, and perhaps its opening at all, would not have been possible without the vital support of the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund, established by the Government of Canada. This program was also essential in making the inaugural launch of the new Greater Shediac Sailing School a reality, an achievement made possible through the collaborative efforts of PCYC and the Harbour Authority.”
- Rob Rodgers, Commodore, Pointe-du-Chêne Yacht Club
Quick facts
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The Pointe-du-Chêne wharf, managed by the Pointe-du-Chêne Harbour Authority, is an operating facility and tourism focal point in Southeastern New Brunswick. The Wharf is used by commercial businesses, tourism operators, restaurants and commercial fishers.
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The Wharf hosts 13 active businesses, all relying on it to provide safe accessibility for their customers. Each of these SMEs has rebuilt after the impacts of Hurricane Fiona and are dependent on the PDCHA for continued, safe wharf accessibility for their livelihoods.
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Established in 1978, the Pointe-du-Chêne Yacht Club (PCYC) is located in Shediac, New Brunswick, on the western side of the Northumberland Strait and within walking distance of several restaurants, boutiques, and attractions such as the well-known Parlee Beach.
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ACOA’s investments were delivered through the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund, which was created to support local communities and businesses affected by the storm and to help long-term recovery efforts.
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The Government of New Brunswick’s investment was delivered through the Regional Development Corporation’s Rural Economy Fund.
Associated links
Contacts
Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Samantha Michaud
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Samantha.Michaud@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Mary-Anne Hurley-Corbyn
Communications
Regional Development Corporation
mary-anne.hurley-corbyn@gnb.ca
Donald Boudreau
Chair – Capital Infrastructure Committee
Pointe-du-Chêne Harbour Authority Inc.
506-312-0776
Rob Rodgers
Commodore
Pointe-du-Chêne Yacht Club
506-854-2220
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