September 14, 2009
Cowichan Bay, British Columbia
The Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, is investing in a project with the Cowichan Wharf Association in response to changes to the salmon fishery.
A federal investment of $210,250 was announced today by Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo – Alberni, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. Funding is provided under the West Coast Community Adjustment Program (WestCCAP).
"I'm pleased to announce our Government's support for the expansion of the Cowichan Bay Harbour," said Dr. Lunney. "Investments such as this are creating and protecting jobs, supporting Canadians who have lost their jobs, helping threatened industries, and building the foundation for our future prosperity."
With this funding, the Cowichan Bay Fisherman's Wharf Association will expand the Cowichan Bay Harbour. The expansion is required to meet the current needs of harbour users, serve the demands from both established commercial and new recreational and eco-tourism markets, and ensure the continued viability of the Cowichan Harbour. It will also provide for much needed local marine infrastructure to support new forms of fisheries, aquaculture and marine based tourism businesses throughout the surrounding local area.
"The goal of coastal Community Futures are to ensure that communities maximize the economic benefits and diversification opportunities offered by harbours and ports," said George Lerchs, Fisheries Legacy Trust. "We are glad to be partnered with the federal government and other community partners through WestCCAP, which helps allocate resources and helps achieve this goal."
"Cowichan Bay Fisherman's Wharf Association is extremely happy with the grant," said Chuck Von-Haas, Harbour Manager for the Cowichan Bay Fishermen's Wharf Association. "This will give us new dock space and new power for vessels of all types and help increase tourism in the summer months and provide room for commercial vessels in the winter."
The West Coast Community Adjustment Program will provide more than $7 million to support economic growth, job creation and the future sustainability of B.C. coastal communities affected by challenges within the salmon fishery. The Fisheries Legacy Trust, comprised of the 13 west coast Community Futures Development Corporations, is delivering this initiative on behalf of Western Economic Diversification. The Harper Government supports initiatives that combat challenges facing traditional industries and protect resources in affected areas, to help ensure the long-term success of resource-dependent communities.
Western Economic Diversification works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For additional information, media should contact:
Donna Howes
Communications Manager, British Columbia
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-1318
Cell: 604-505-6616
Chuck Von-Haas
Harbour Manager
Cowichan Bay Wharf Association
Telephone: 250-746-5911
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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