July 28, 2015
QUALICUM BEACH, British Columbia - The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip, and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, highlighted today the Government of Canada’s investment in 16 projects that support recreational fisheries on Vancouver Island. Through the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program (RFCPP), the groups carrying out these projects will receive up to $977,000 to support the conservation of fish habitat on Vancouver Island.
Part of the National Conservation Plan, the RFCPP was created in 2013 to restore Canada’s recreational fisheries habitat and to support the sustainability and ongoing productivity of our recreational fisheries. The program proved immediately successful, prompting the Government of Canada to increase its investment through Economic Action Plans 2014 and 2015 to a total of $55 million until 2018-2019.
The 16 projects are located in watersheds and foreshores on Vancouver Island. The groups leading these projects will contribute to the conservation and restoration of our country’s natural environment. Under the fourth round of the RFCPP, up to $4.85 million has been made available for 61 projects across British Columbia.
The 16 projects on Vancouver Island receiving support are:
- Little Qualicum Estuary - Cortes Road Dike Breach/ Removal
- Cowichan Shoreline Stewardship Project
- Centennial Creek Restoration Project
- Restoration of the Queen's ditch formerly known as Lazo Creek
- Brooklyn Creek 2015 Channel Enhancement Project
- Tod Creek Flats Restoration Project
- 2015 Piercy Creek Tributary 1 Fish Access and Habitat Restoration Project
- Ah;ta;apq Creek Restoration Project
- Hectate Park Beach Nourishment and Restoration Project
- Restoring Fish Habitat in Averill and Bings Creek
- Haslam Creek Restoration
- Kin Beach Shoreline Restoration Project
- Swan Creek Gardens Riparian Restoration Project
- Restoring Fish Habitat in the Conference Creek Watershed, Phase 3
- San Juan River Stabilization Project
- Kingfisher Creek Restoration Project
Since 2006, the Harper Government has taken important steps to conserve and restore our country’s natural environment and connect Canadians to our rich natural heritage. Details about the RFCPP can be found on the RFCPP Web site.
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip, and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North
James Craig, Senior Project Manager, British Columbia Conservation Federation
Michael Meneer, Vice President, Pacific Salmon Foundation.
- 30 -
FOR MORE INFORMATION (media only):
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-990-7537
NR-PR-15-21E
