Harper Government Invests in British Columbia Small Craft Harbours

News Release

Minister John Duncan announces projects to improve safety and working conditions for harbour users

July 30, 2015

VICTORIA, British Columbia – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada will invest in major improvement projects at nine small craft harbours in British Columbia. This funding will provide a safer and more efficient working environment for fishermen and harbour users across the province.

Federal funding of up to $7.1 million is being allocated over two years to improvement projects at the following harbours:

Alert Bay – reconstruct timber mooring floats and conduct wharf repairs
Campbell River (Discovery) – reconstruct timber mooring floats and portions of three small wharves
Campbell River – replace deteriorated north wharf with concrete floating wharf and steel vehicle ramp
Comox – reconstruct timber mooring floats
Fanny Bay – construct and install a steel catamaran breakwater
Ford’s Cove – construct and install a steel catamaran breakwater
Heriot Bay – reconstruct the electrical system and dry fire lines and realign the timber mooring floats
Port McNeill – reconstruct timber mooring floats
Zeballos – reconstruct timber mooring floats and dredge the harbour

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 will receive a total of approximately $551 million. This includes $288 million for harbour improvements at small craft harbours.

Quick Facts

The Harper Government will invest more than $46 million in improvement projects at 33 harbours in British Columbia over the next two years.
The Government of Canada supports more than 1000 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.
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.

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 the 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

“The commercial fishing industry provides important employment in many of Canada’s coastal and rural communities. Ensuring that small craft harbours are kept in good operating condition not only benefits those who use them, but also the communities where they are located.”

The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip