January 18, 2011
Fanny Bay, British Columbia
Today the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support for the Fanny Bay Harbour Authority to upgrade the commercial wharf at Fanny Bay.
"By reducing transportation delays and increasing the amount of commercial traffic in the area, this investment will directly benefit the community of Fanny Bay and the greater Vancouver Island area," said Minister Duncan. "The project will create immediate employment opportunities during construction, while paving the way for local and other businesses to capitalize on the increased flow of commercial traffic."
This investment will reconfigure the existing berths and breakwater, construct and place a new floating concrete wharf and install ramp access and parking facilities to remove an existing transportation bottleneck.
The new wharf facility will allow for the continued expansion of the Baynes Sound shellfish industry, benefitting local businesses such as the Baynes Sound shellfish producers and Pentlatch Seafoods Limited, owned by the K'omoks First Nations.
"The Fanny Bay Harbour Authority would like to thank the Federal Government, Island Coastal Economic Trust and WestCCAP for all their hard work and cooperation in bringing this project together," said Gordon McLellan, President of the Fanny Bay Harbour Authority. "The dock has always been a big part of the community and this funding will ensure it will be here for all to enjoy for many years to come."
A federal investment of $765,000 is being provided through the Western Diversification Program ($515,000) and the West Coast Community Adjustment Program ($250,000).
Western Economic Diversification Canada 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.
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, is delivering this initiative on behalf of Western Economic Diversification Canada. The Government of Canada supports initiatives that combat challenges facing traditional industries and protect resources in affected areas in order to support the long-term success of resource-dependent communities.
For additional information (media only) contact:
Jaime Burke
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (604) 666-1318
Bruce Evans
Fanny Bay Harbour Authority
Telephone: (250) 248-1325
Email: bdevans@telus.net
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca
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