Harper Government Repaired Fire-damaged Floating Wharves in Southern Harbour

News Release

Minister Shea announces repairs to fishing harbour in Placentia Bay

February 19, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada has invested in repairs at Southern Harbour, Placentia Bay. This investment is part of a $30 million investment in maintenance, repair, construction and dredging projects at small craft harbours across the province.

The small craft harbour facility at Southern Harbour suffered damage from a fire last September. To return the harbour to safe operating condition, immediate action was taken to repair one floating wharf, construct and install two new floating wharves and reconstruct an access ramp. Located on Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula, this active fishing harbour is heavily used and relied upon by the community.

The funding for this project is part of the Government of Canada’s investment of approximately $106 million in repair, construction, maintenance and dredging projects at small craft harbours across Canada. This includes $66 million in regular annual program funding in 2014-2015 and an additional $40 million allocated over two years, as announced in Economic Action Plan 2014.

Quick Facts

Small craft harbours support the commercial fishing industry. Nearly 90 percent of all commercial fish harvesters in Canada use small craft harbour facilities, and their annual production represents approximately $1.6 billion.
The Canadian commercial fishing industry provides employment in many coastal, rural and isolated communities. This includes approximately 80,000 jobs within the industry as well as thousands of additional jobs in supporting industries.

The Government of Canada undertakes harbour improvement projects in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.
The federal government is supporting 33 major repair, construction, maintenance and dredging projects in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2014-2015.

The Small Craft Harbours Program is responsible for more than 1,000 small craft harbours across Canada.

Quotes

“Our government understands that by investing in infrastructure at our small craft harbours, we are also supporting employment opportunities that benefit local communities and ensuring the livelihood of our fishing industry. The funding announced today will help maintain a network of safe and efficient harbours and contribute to continued economic growth and prosperity for Canadians.”

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans