Member of Parliament Lobb announces funding for Port Elgin Harbour

News Release

Investment to improve safety and working conditions for harbour users

Saugeen Shores, Ontario - Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament for Huron-Bruce, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada will invest in a major improvement project at Port Elgin Harbour. This funding will provide a safer and more efficient working environment for harbour users.

This investment at Port Elgin Harbour will involve rehabilitation of the west pier by encapsulating the existing structure in steel sheet piling. The project will ensure safe berthage for harbour users as well as maintain the integrity of the fuelling wharf.

Preparation and planning for this project will take place over the next months, and construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2016.

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, defence, borders, research, small craft harbours, transportation and search and rescue. As part of this funding, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard received approximately $551 million, $288 million of which is being used for harbour improvements at small craft harbours.

Quick Facts

Port Elgin Harbour is home to approximately 280 recreational vessels.
In the last 20 years, approximately $500,000 has been invested in the Port Elgin Harbour on a cost-sharing basis with the Town of Saugeen Shores to provide dredging, dock repairs, electrical repairs and other minor works.
More information on the cost of the project will be made available following the tendering process.
The Government of Canada supports more than 1,000 small craft harbours across Canada. Harbour improvement projects are undertaken in cooperation with the municipalities and local harbour authorities who manage and operate facilities for local users.

Quotes

“Since 2008, our Government has continuously made major investments that create opportunities for Canadians and foster prosperity in Ontario. The Port Elgin Harbour is a key driver of the economy and a tourism hub in the Town of Saugeen Shores. We are proud to continue to support this municipality and ensure there are adequate facilities for those who use its harbour.”

Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament for Huron-Bruce

“The Municipality is fortunate to receive support from the Small Craft Harbours Program, through the Federal Government. The funding will allow for critical work to be done to the Port Elgin Harbour to ensure a sustainable port for seasonal and transient visitors. Both the safety of the site and the continued economic benefit to the local community rely on this support – we’re grateful to receive the funding to make this project possible.”

Mike Smith, Mayor of Saugeen Shores