Harper Government Invests in Port Dover Harbour

News Release

Minister Diane Finley announces major improvements for fishing harbour in Port Dover

July 29, 2015

PORT DOVER, Ontario - Today, the Honourable Diane Finley, Member of Parliament for Haldimand-Norfolk, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced an investment to improve safety and working conditions for fishermen at Port Dover Harbour in Port Dover, Ontario.

This two year project involves rehabilitation of the concrete decks of the west pier and fishing piers, as well as the concrete parapet on the east basin wall. This work will allow the hardworking fishermen of Port Dover to continue to efficiently and safely make a living for their families. Engineering work related to the project will be undertaken this year with on-site construction scheduled to start in 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 will receive a total of approximately $551 million. This includes $288 million for harbour improvements at small craft harbours.

Quick Facts

The harbour is home port to between eight and ten commercial fishing vessels and an additional eight to 12 transient vessels.
Lakeshore Fish Market, a large fish processing plant, is located at the harbour and employs approximately 60 people throughout the spring/summer.
Annual landings for Port Dover are in the range of 6,300 tonnes, with a value of approximately $1.8 million.
Primary species landed are rainbow smelt, walleye, white bass, white perch and yellow perch.
Since 2006, the Government has invested more than $2.9 million in this harbour.
The Harper Government will support harbour improvement projects at ten harbours in Ontario 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

“Since 2006, our Government has continuously made major investments that create opportunities for Canadians and encourage the prosperity of Ontario. We are proud to continue to support the hardworking people of Port Dover. As always, we will continue to ensure safe and efficient working conditions for those who earn their livelihood at these harbours.”

The Honourable Diane Finley, Member of Paliament for Haldimand-Norfolk

“Port Dover Harbour Authority is gratified by the interest the federal government has shown towards the commercial fisheries industry and the local economy.”

George Gibbons, President of Port Dover Harbour Authority