For immediate release TIGNISH, March 11, 2005 - Two competitive contracts, worth a combined total of $957,288, have been awarded to Gaudette's Transit Mix Ltd., of Tignish, Prince Edward Island, for wharf reconstruction projects on the Island. Awarded on behalf of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Small Craft Harbours (SCH) program), these contracts will be completed in March and June respectively 2005. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Joe McGuire, Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services. "The important work carried out as a result of these contracts clearly demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to ensuring safe and high-quality facilities for those who make their livings on the water," said Minister McGuire. "People who live and work in small Maritime communities depend on these wharves for their livelihood, and this work will ensure there are fortified and reliable structures in place for years to come. The fact that Gaudette's Transit Mix was successful in winning both jobs is a testament to the expertise it possesses with respect to wharf-building, and should mean good things for both projects." Under the first contract, worth $367,587, the company will replace the south end of Sea Cow Pond wharf, in Prince County. It will remove the existing timber pile structure and rockfill and build a new, reinforced concrete deck complete with new, treated timber piles. It will excavate and dredge the area of debris. Under the second contract, worth $589,701, the company will build a new wharf structure at a Miminegash, using new steel piles, concrete panels and anchor walls. It will also construct a concrete deck and infill the wharf structure with sandstone. 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. It 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. 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 Pierre Téotonio Senior Media Relations Advisor PWGSC (819) 956-2310 Ron Crozier Office of the Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency The Honourable Joseph B. McGuire, P.C., M.P. (902) 888-4150 PWGSC news releases are also available on our Internet site at www.pwgsc.gc.ca/comm/min/text/mediaroom-e.html.
