No. P010/03For release - September 8, 2003
BIG BAY, B.C. — Natural Resources Minister Herb Dhaliwal and MP (Vancouver South-Burnaby), on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced the official transfer of the Big Bay public port facility, on Stuart Island, to the Asman Bay Dock Society. The transfer agreement includes a contribution of $525,000 from Transport Canada's Port Divestiture Fund.
"The Asman Bay Dock Society is to be congratulated for joining the move towards a new era of port management," said Mr. Dhaliwal. "Having this facility run by local people who best know its role in the community - and its potential for growth - will allow it to function in a more commercial and cost-effective manner."
The Big Bay facility includes a seaplane float, four floats, a gangway, a shed and a breakwater. The $525,000 federal contribution announced today is to offset initial operating costs, such as repairs and ongoing maintenance, for the port facility. Since 1997, the federal government has transferred over 60 regional port facilities into local hands in British Columbia, under the National Marine Policy.
"The aim of the National Marine Policy is to provide Canadians with an efficient and cost-effective ports system," said Mr. Collenette. "With today's transfer, the Asman Bay Dock Society will be able to take greater advantage of these facilities, reduce costs, tailor levels of service to local demand, and have the flexibility to attract new and different types of businesses to their community."
Transport Canada's Port Divestiture Program was established in 1996, as part of the National Marine Policy, with the objective of transferring Regional/Local port sites to other interests. In some cases, ports are being transferred as operating ports; in other cases, Crown land and facilities are being transferred to interested parties for other uses.
Funding for this initiative is built into the current fiscal framework.
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Contact:
Rod NelsonCommunications, Vancouver(604) 666-1675
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