No. Q002/02For release - February 13, 2002
CAP AUX MEULES, Quebec — Georges Farrah, MP for Bonaventure-Gaspé-Iles-de-la-Madeleine-Pabok, today announced, on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, funding of $3 million for five improvement projects at the Transport Canada port of Cap aux Meules. These projects create employment for about 50 people, 80 per cent of whom are Magdalen Islanders.
"These major investments in the Magdalen Islands are part of the Government of Canada's commitment to support remote communities, whose transportation infrastructures are of utmost importance for the safe and efficient transportation of people and goods", said Mr. Farrah.
The five improvement projects include repairs to the port breakwater, dredging of the port entry channel, fitting of cathode corrosion protection on the commercial and fishing wharves, repair of the fender system at the oil tanker wharf and restoration of the harbour access road.
Repairs to the port breakwater
Stones will be added along 445 metres of the inner port side face of the breakwater to stabilize and reinforce the structure. A $2,117,964 contract has been awarded to Entreprise Larebel inc., of Magdalen Islands, following a tender call. Work has started in September and will be completed at the beginning of the summer of 2002.
Dredging of the port entry channel
Dredging of the port entry channel along its entire length and width will allow continued safe commercial shipping and ferry operations. A $347,015 contract has been awarded to Beaver Marine, of Halifax, following a tender call. Work was carried out in mid-October.
Fitting of cathode corrosion protection on the commercial and fishing wharves
Fitting of cathode protection system to the sheet steel piling and steel piles of the commercial and fishing wharves will protect them against the corrosive effects of salt water and sea air. A $285,882 contract has been awarded to EBC Hydrotech Marine, of Quebec City, following a tender call. Work has begun this fall and has been completed in December.
Repair of the fender system at the oil tanker wharf
Repair of the fender system at the oil tanker wharf will extend its useful life. A $30,000 contract has been awarded to Compagnie Fondations Vigneau Inc. of Havre-Aubert. Work has started in Mid-November and has been completed in December.
Restoration of the harbour access road
The harbour access road will be restored at an approximate cost of $200,000. Excavation work, rebuilding the foundation and installing sewage and drainage systems were carried out this fall; paving will be done during the Spring of 2002.
Transport Canada carefully coordinated these projects with stakeholders to ensure that work be carried out with minimal impact on the environment and on harbour operations.
"These major improvements, totaling $3 million, mean that this region can benefit from the economic activities related to the construction projects as well as from the renewed transportation facilities that will serve this community well for many years to come", added Mr. Collenette.
The port of Cap aux Meules is classified as a remote port under the terms of the National Marine Policy. It is the main gateway for passengers and cargo to and from the Magdalen Islands. In 2000, approximately 62 000 persons transited through the port of Cap-aux-Meules and 91,945 tons of general merchandise were handled at the commercial wharf.
Funding for these projects was provided for in the December 2001 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
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Contact:
Donald Beaulieu,Communications, Montreal(514) 633-2741
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