PICTOU LANDING, NOVA SCOTIA–(EMWNews – Aug. 6, 2008) – The Government of Canada is making investments in 22 Nova Scotia harbours in order to provide coastal communities with safer, more modern facilities in support of local fishing enterprises.

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

“The Government of Canada is committed to providing much-needed support to harbour infrastructure as our fisheries continue their transition into more sustainable, efficient and modern industries,” said Minister MacKay. “I’m confident the support we are able to provide in partnership with harbour authorities will help meet local fisheries’ development needs.”

Altogether, $6.4 million will go towards new and ongoing projects, including dredging, wharf and harbour improvements, breakwater construction, as well as planning and design for future work.

These projects are being undertaken by Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbours Program, in close collaboration with the harbour authorities that manage and operate the facilities for local users. Such close co-operation with clients allows the federal government to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada, in support of commercial fish harvesters.

The Government of Canada understands the importance of small craft harbours to communities across the country. Since February 2006, the permanent annual funding for the Small Craft Harbours Program has been increased by $20 million, with a further $10 million commitment made in Budget 2008 over two years for repairs and environmental cleanup at recreational and non-core fishing harbours to permit the transfer of these harbours to interested parties.

For Centreville, Meteghan, Cape St. Marys, Little River Harbour, Lower East Pubnico, Wedge Point, Dennis Point, Port Bickerton East, Owls Head, Louisbourg and Glace Bay:

Communications Branch
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
(902) 426-3550

For Bay St. Lawrence, Caribou Ferry, Cheticamp, Finlay Point, Grand Etang, Havre Boucher, Margaree, Murphys Pond, Judique, Pictou Landing, and Toney River:

Frederic Butruille
Communications Manager, Corporate Services
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Moncton, New Brunswick
(506) 851-7218

BACKGROUNDER

Details of Projects at Fishing Harbours in Nova Scotia

Projects at the following 22 fishing harbours in Nova Scotia total $6.4 million:

Bay St. Lawrence – Construction of a new concrete, emergency haul-out ramp is scheduled to start late this fall and be completed next spring. The project allows installation of a cradle-type trailer able to lift vessels from the water quickly for emergency repairs rather than waiting several hours for a boat hauler.

Cape St. Marys – Dredging is planned, as infill over the years has made it difficult for fish harvesters to access and maneuver in the harbour. Channel and basin dredging will make harbour access and use safer and more efficient.

Caribou Ferry – Planning for future wharf work will get under way this year with a structural investigation and the development of options for wharf repairs or reconstruction.

Centreville – The access channel and basin will be dredged to give fish harvesters sufficient depth to enter and leave the harbour safely as well as operate more efficiently in the basin.

Cheticamp – Lighting improvements and paving of the large service area are planned, with work expected to start by late summer and be completed by the spring of 2009. The project will provide Cheticamp harbour users with an efficient and environmentally clean working area. Work also continues on the preparation of plans and specifications, environmental study and cost estimates for a future major capital harbour improvement project.

Dennis Point – Basin dredging is to start this season to ensure full usability of the harbour basins. Other work involves completion of work on the end of the wharf to improve protection and capacity in the harbour.

Finlay Point – The project involves removal of the existing, deteriorated launching ramp and the installation of a new reinforced concrete launching ramp. Construction is expected to be completed by late fall of this year.

Glace Bay – Advance planning, including survey and environmental work, will take place at Glace Bay this year in preparation for future harbour dredging.

Grand Etang – Additional lighting is scheduled for installation on the wharf at Grand Etang, improving operational conditions for fish harvesters.

Havre Boucher – Wharf facilities are in poor condition and the service area is seriously inadequate. Preliminary engineering work will assess harbour development options and include analysis of soil conditions, water depth and exposure to the elements.

Judique – In recent years, the requirement for dredging at this harbour has increased significantly. A coastal study will be undertaken this year to identify the best means to maintain an accessible harbour for the full fishing season.

Little River Harbour – A breakwater construction project will be completed before next spring and will provide much-needed protection for the wharf.

Louisbourg – Advance planning will continue this year for a future harbour development and improvement project.

Lower East Pubnico – Advance planning is scheduled this year and will focus on the design work for a project to improve capacity and safety in the harbour.

Margaree Harbour – This harbour is overcrowded and exposed to wave action as a result of breakwater settlement. The project involves the reconstruction of approximately 240 metres of rubblemound breakwater and associated dredging as a first phase of overall harbour development. Work will start early this fall with completion anticipated by the spring of 2009.

Meteghan – A basin dredging project will take place this year to help provide sufficient water depth for vessels relying on the harbour. Also planned for Meteghan are repairs to the fendering system along the outside of the main wharf.

Murphys Pond – Overcrowding can be a real problem at this harbour, particularly with the influx of tuna vessels in the fall. Infill is another concern and work this year will involve preliminary engineering to assess options to address these issues.

Owls Head – Work will continue this year on a wharf reconstruction and reinforcement project.

Pictou Landing – Work is continuing on a major capital project and ongoing dredging of approximately 20,000 cubic metres of material from the harbour. The dredging will provide a new basin area, increasing the harbour’s capacity and setting the stage for wharf construction which is expected to be initiated later this year.

Port Bickerton East – Advance planning will be getting under way this summer for a future major capital project to improve capacity and maneuverability in the harbour.

Toney River – More than 40 metres of the west wharf is deteriorated and in need of repair. This year’s work involves planning and engineering for a future repair project. Also at Toney River extensive work on the large entrance breakwaters was recently completed. The major capital project is finishing up with habitat compensation which involves the construction of a fish ladder on the Waughs River to permit fish passage into the upper waterways.

Wedge Point – This harbour will be the site of advance planning this year for a future harbour improvement project.