Member of Parliament Lobb Announces Funding for Bayfield Harbour

News Release

April 16, 2015

Investment to Improve Safety for Harbour Users

BLUEWATER, Ontario - Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament for Huron-Bruce, announced today, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the Government of Canada will invest in a harbour improvement project at Bayfield Harbour that will provide a safer and more efficient working environment for local fishermen and harbour users.

At the Bayfield harbour this year, work will include the rehabilitation of the north entrance pier by covering the existing structure with steel sheet piling. Another major improvement project is planned for next year to rehabilitate the Fishermen’s Wharf. Once completed, this project will allow fishermen to enjoy from safer navigation and berthing conditions.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada has provided 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, defence, borders, research, small craft harbours, transportation and search and rescue.

As part of this funding, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Canadian Coast Guard received approximately $551 million, $288 million of which is being allocated for harbour improvements at small craft harbours.

Quick Facts

Bayfield Harbour is the busiest commercial fishing harbour on Lake Huron.
The primary species landed at Bayfield Harbour are Lake trout, Lake whitefish, Walleye and Yellow perch. The annual landings at this harbour in 2012 were valued at $1.03 million.
DFO operates and maintains a national system of small craft harbours to provide commercial fish harvesters and other harbour users with safe and accessible facilities.
Small craft harbours support the commercial fishing industry. Nearly 90 per cent of all commercial fish harvesters in Canada use small craft harbour facilities; their annual production represents approximately $1.6 billion.
The Government of Canada supports more than 1,000 small craft harbours across Canada. Harbour improvement projects are undertaken in cooperation with local harbour authorities who manage and operate facilities for local users.

Quotes

“For generations, hard-working Canadian men and women have made their livelihood from our waters. Without question, small craft harbours are the cornerstone of our commercial fishing industry. Today’s announcement is part of our Government’s ongoing commitment to support harbours, local economies and foster job creation.”

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

“Since 2008, our Government has continuously made major investments that create opportunities for Canadians and encourage the prosperity of Ontario. The Bayfield Harbour is a key economic and tourism driver for the Municipality of Bluewater. We are proud to continue to support the hardworking people of Bayfield. As always, we will continue to ensure safe and efficient working conditions for those who earn their livelihood at these harbours.”

Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament for Huron-Bruce

“We appreciate having this investment from the federal government to upgrade the North Pier and Fisherman’s Wharf for our harbour users. Our harbour is an important gateway to Bluewater and it’s a key tourist attraction and economic driver.”

Tyler Hessel, Mayor of Bluewater