SIDNEY, B.C. - The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that Canada's New Government will invest a further $1.87 million in funding for projects at small craft harbour (SCH) facilities in British Columbia.
"While some people may not stop to think about it, small craft harbours are crucial to the economies of coastal communities," said Minister Hearn. "Canada's New Government wants to make sure that these wharves and breakwaters are safe, and do their part to keep local economies strong."
The following projects will be implemented;
At Port Hardy, two more projects, in addition to previously announced work are planned. One project will support the installation of new concrete floats by finalizing the design and tendering for fabrication of a steel vehicle ramp, stabilization of the adjacent shoreline, and construction of an upland abutment at the site. The second project will finalize project design, permitting, and consultation with relevant environmental bodies required to initiate dredging around the basin perimeter of the harbour.
At Bella Coola, the repair of the rock breakwater is required to protect the harbour infrastructure and the vessels mooring in the harbour from significant storm waves. This project will place additional materials on the existing breakwater in order to compensate for the loss of material from wave action.
At Okeover Inlet, funds will be directed to further planning and design work for the future reconstruction of a concrete boat launching ramp. An environmental assessment and project tendering processes will be initiated to further the project.
Additionally, corrosion protection work at a number of SCH harbours throughout the Pacific region, will be undertaken to determine the condition of steel structures, (including mooring chains and piles). Inspections will identify areas that have been significantly affected by saltwater corrosion and provide effective corrosion protection measures to the materials.
This $1.87 million investment, combined with projects recently announced by Canada's New Government, brings the investment for the SCH program in British Columbia this year to more than $9 million.
The projects are carried out under Fisheries and Oceans Canada's SCH program in collaboration with Harbour Authorities that manage and operate facilities for the benefit of local users.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Dan Bate
Communications Officer
Canadian Coast Guard
(604) 775-8809
NR-PR-06-24E
