Minister Gail Shea Announces Major Improvements for Fishing Harbour at Milligan's Shore

News Release

Harper Government invests in projects for at least 23 harbours over the next two years in PEI

March 26, 2015 - Moncton, New Brunswick

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Regional Minister for PEI and Member of Parliament for Egmont, announced today a major investment to improve safety and work conditions for fishermen at Milligan’s Shore on Prince Edward Island. In total, the Government of Canada will invest approximately $18.8 million over the next two years in PEI’s small craft harbours.

This project will allow the fishermen of Milligan’s Shore to continue to efficiently and safely make a living for themselves and their families. The work will consist of three key components:

removal of a deteriorated wharf;
construction of a new, longer wharf with armour stone protection extending along the shore; and
dredging of the expanded harbour basin area.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada has provided an unprecedented level of funding to support investments in public infrastructure across the country. Last fall, Prime Minister Harper announced an additional investment of $5.8 billion over the next two years to build and renew infrastructure across the country to support Canadian heritage, First Nations education, defense, borders, research, small craft harbours, transportation and search and rescue. As part of this funding, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard will receive a total of approximately $551 million.

Quick Facts

The project in Milligan’s Shore will begin in 2015-2016 and will be completed within two years. It will alleviate congestion and enhance safety within the harbour.
The primary species fished are lobster and snow crab. Landings in 2013 represented an estimated value of over $2.5 million.
Milligan’s Shore Harbour serves as home port to approximately 38 vessels.
In the last ten years, almost $500,000 has been invested at this harbour.
The Harper Government will invest approximately $18.8 million in PEI’s small craft harbours over the next two years for projects at 23 harbours. More funding from next year’s regular Small Craft Harbours budget and several other minor repair projects will add to the total envelope and the number of projects.
Since 2006, the Government of Canada has invested approximately $60.4 million in PEI’s small craft harbours.
The Government of Canada is responsible for more than 1,000 small craft harbours across Canada. Harbour improvement projects are undertaken in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.

Quotes

“Fisheries are at the core of our social fabric and economy here on PEI. Our Government is proud to support our fishermen by opening new markets for their world-class products. We also support our fishing industry by investing in our small craft harbours. This ensures our fishermen can operate safely and securely and also encourages job creation and economic growth for our communities where fishing plays a key role.”

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

“This investment by the federal government is a great boost to our fishing industry here at Milligan’s Shore and at all the other harbours in PEI. We are very happy to see this support for our fishing communities, which contribute significantly to our provincial economy as a whole.”

Mr. Lyndon Hardy, President of the Milligan’s Shore Harbour Authority