February 24, 2011
ADVOCATE HARBOUR, NS – The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, joined Member of Parliament Scott Armstrong in announcing the Government of Canada's support in the rebuilding of the seawall in Advocate Harbour, Nova Scotia.
"This is an investment in the future of this community," said Minister Shea. "Rebuilding the seawall will protect local infrastructure, agricultural land and private property."
A portion of the seawall is located on shoreline property owned by the Canadian Coast Guard, which operates a navigational aid at the extreme end of the property. A 2008 storm resulted in significant damage to the western end of the barrier. Concerns were raised by local residents that the damage to the seawall could result in damage to the community.
"The people of Advocate Harbour depend on the fishing industry and tourism. This harbour is vital to the community and the people who live or visit here and I am proud to be here to announce our Government's support," said Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland- Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.
In 2010, Canadian Coast Guard partnered with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to fund a study into the work required to stabilize the seawall. The second phase of this study is currently underway. Plans to rebuild the seawall will be based on the findings of that study.
The rebuilding project will begin later this year. As the work gets underway, Fisheries and Oceans Canada will begin negotiations to transfer ownership of the property to other interested parties, with the exception of a small section of land needed for the navigational aid.
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For broadcast use:
The Government of Canada is rebuilding a portion of the seawall at Advocate Harbour, Nova Scotia. Minister Gail Shea joined local Member of Parliament Scott Armstrong in announcing the rebuilding project which is expected to begin later this year.
For more information:
Stephen Bornais
Communications Manager
Canadian Coast Guard
Maritimes Region
902-426-3550
Kate Davis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-MAR-11-02E
