October 26, 2007
Port Hope, Ontario – The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries
and Oceans, announced today with Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland
Quinte West that the Federal Government will transfer ownership of the recreational
Small Craft Harbours' Port Hope facility to the Municipality of Port Hope.
"The Municipality of Port Hope has clearly demonstrated an interest in managing
and developing the area's waterfront assets for the benefit of the community", said
Minister Hearn. "The transfer will ensure that the Municipality of Port Hope is
able to continue with this focus for years to come."
This transfer is part of the Recreational Harbour Divestiture Program
administered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Small Craft Harbours Branch. The Municipality
of Port Hope will become the owner and continue operating the harbour as a public
facility.
"The divestiture of these lands is the result of the Municipality of Port Hope's
commitment to beautify their waterfront, and I am pleased to have been part of this
process," said MP Norlock. "Minister Hearn and his department have worked hard to
bring this project to fruition. All parties involved have been cooperative, professional
and accommodating and are to be commended for their hard work on this file."
Port Hope Mayor Linda Thompson noted that the divestiture of the recreational
harbour to the Municipality is a critical piece to the eventual development of our
waterfront. "This transfer will enable us to work with our local residents, organizations
and partners to plan a waterfront that will be a significant asset for the community
for many years to come, said Mayor Thompson. "I wish to acknowledge the strong support
of our MP, Rick Norlock, regarding this matter."
The recreational harbour facility at Port Hope is composed of approximately 70
hectares of property including a river entrance breakwater system, extensive marginal
wharves, west and east slip, and a launching ramp. In conjunction with the transfer,
Fisheries and Oceans Canada will provide grant funding to the Municipality of Port
Hope to undertake future dredging of the entrance channel.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Carol Bond,
Communications Officer
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Central and Arctic Region
519-383-1804
