Transport Canada transfers the Carleton-sur-Mer wharf to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which will carry out major work and repairs

News Release

Carleton-sur-Mer, Quebec — Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon-La Mitis-Matane-Matapédia, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announced today that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) will acquire the Carleton-sur-Mer wharf, which was previously owned by Transport Canada (TC). The department will carry out major work in accordance with the Town of Carleton-sur-Mer project plans.

Since 2016, a number of discussions have taken place between Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Town of Carleton-sur-Mer to come to an agreement on the development of an integrated harbour infrastructure project. Transport Canada wanted to divest itself of the wharf and DFO seized this opportunity to negotiate a transfer agreement between both departments in order to provide fish harvesters with safe and functional facilities. The Town also wishes to carry out a recreational tourism project while maintaining adequate facilities for fish harvesters.

As such, DFO will make repairs to the wharf and build a new breakwater. Once this work has been completed, the end of the wharf and a section of the vertical face will be turned over to the Town of Carleton-sur-Mer so it can develop a recreational tourism park and a recreational fishing area. DFO will remain the owner of the new breakwater as well as most of the refurbished wharf for the docking of roughly 20 fishing and sea farming vessels, many of which are owned by the Mi’kmaq community.

Plans and specifications are expected to be completed this spring, while work could start next fall and be completed by the end of summer 2019.

Photo legend: 
From left to right: Éric Bujold, president, Harbour Authority of Carleton-sur-Mer; Alain Bernier, Economic Development Manager for Carleton-sur-Mer; Steven Parent, Municipal Councillor; Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon–La Mitis–Matane–Matapédia; Mathieu Lapointe, Mayor of Carleton-sur-Mer; and Érick St-Laurent, Area Manager, Gaspésie-Bas-Saint-Laurent for Fisheries and Oceans Canada, shake hands after announcing that the wharf at Carleton-sur-Mer will be transferred from Transport Canada to Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

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Transport Canada transfers the Carleton-sur-Mer wharf to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, which will carry out major work and repairs

Quotes

"Our government is determined to support the Municipality of Carleton-sur-Mer for its recreational tourism project, while ensuring safe and accessible harbour facilities for fish harvesters. I am proud of this project announced today, which will strongly contribute to the region's economic development."

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., Q.C., M.P. Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“The transfer of the Carleton-sur-Mer to Fisheries and Oceans Canada is a concrete example of my government’s commitment to take part in the economic and recreational development of Quebec regions. This large-scale project is going to benefit not only Carleton residents, but also the fishers in general, particularly the the marine fishers and also the citizens from the County of Avignon-La Mitis-Matane-Matapédia. Through Transport Canada Ports Asset Transfer Program, it is possible to own a port facility and to improve it in order to contribute towards the development of the local economy, community and tourism.”

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport Canada

"I am very proud to announce this important project for the Carleton-sur-Mer wharf. This large-scale project, has been long anticipated, will benefit not only Carleton residents, fish harvesters and sea farmers, but also the citizens of the entire district of Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia. I am very pleased with our government’s support in meeting the population’s needs and expectations related to this project, as it will strongly contribute to the economic and recreational tourism development of the sector."

Rémi Massé, Member of Parliament for Avignon—La Mitis—Matane—Matapédia

"These new harbour improvements will bring in more fishing and recreational vessels and more marine business in a safe and attractive setting, thus cementing Carleton-sur-Mer's profile as a tourism hub and a great place for marine activities."

Mathieu Lapointe, Mayor of Carleton-sur-Mer

Contacts

Communications Branch
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Quebec Region
418-648-5474
media.qc@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Vincent Hughes
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613‑992‑3474
Vincent.Hughes@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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