ANTIGONISH, January 20, 2005 -- A $1,089,567 competitive contract has been awarded to Alva Construction, of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, to upgrade the Louisbourg wharf, Cape Breton County, N.S. Awarded on behalf of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Small Craft Harbours program), this contract will be completed in August 2005. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services. "As the main access harbour to the Atlantic on Nova Scotia's north-east coast, Louisbourg is a busy wharf," said Minister Regan. "The widening of the wharf and other improvements will boost its service capacity. The Government of Canada is committed to providing these communities with the harbour facilities they need to prosper." The company will expand the service area by 75 metres. It will also install a new electrical system including new wharf lighting as well as a new waterline. The Small Craft Harbours (SCH) program works in partnership with local harbour authorities in five regions across the country to provide commercial fishers and recreational boaters with safe and accessible facilities. The SCH program ensures that nearly 1,300 harbours and 6,000 structures critical to the economic and social life of small maritime communities remain open and in good repair. Funding for this contract was provided for in the March 2004 Federal Budget. For information on contracting opportunities with the Government of Canada, visit www.merx.com, Canada's official, public sector electronic tendering service. - 30 - For further information, media may contact: Renée David Press Secretary Office of Minister Brison (819) 997-5421 Mario Baril Manager, Media Relations PWGSC (819) 956-2315 Brian Underhill Office of Minister Regan (613) 992-3474
