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BONAVISTA – TRINITY – CONCEPTION – The Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Bonavista – Trinity – Conception, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the federal government will invest $6.2 million to undertake major repairs and improvements at area harbours.
"Harbour infrastructure is vital to our fishing industry and to our communities and it must be kept in good repair," said Minister Efford. "This funding demonstrates this government’s commitment to that goal."
Bay de Verde – The fishermen's wharf has deteriorated in the upper section to the point where major repairs are required. Under this project, the wharf will be dismantled down to the low water mark and reconstructed using treated timber, complete with a reinforced concrete deck. The project will be spread over two years with the majority of work completed during this year. The deck and fendering system will be installed early next year. Completion of this project will result in a safer facility for the commercial fishing fleet.
Bonavista – This year will see the second phase of a three-year project to repair and extend the Canaille Breakwater at the entrance to the harbour. Additional armourstone will be placed on the outside of the structure and repairs made to the existing cribwork. The planned extension will be a combination of treated timber and concrete. When completed, this project will provide additional protection for fishers using the harbour and prolong the life of existing structures.
Plate Cove West – Work will commence on the second phase of a three-year project announced last year to upgrade facilities within the harbour. Last year, project planning and engineering was completed. This year, dredging will be conducted in the basin area and the approach to the wharf will be upgraded. Next year, reconstruction of the marginal wharf will complete the project.
Ship Cove – Repairs to the outside 50-metre section of the finger pier wharf will see the installation of a new fendering system, coping and concrete deck, as well as replacement of any deteriorated timber in the cribs. Upgrades will also be made to the existing electrical system. Work will be undertaken in early fall and be completed before winter.
Cupids – Under existing conditions, the harbour cannot safely accommodate the larger vessels frequenting this facility. In this project, a 600-square metre area around the wharf and within the boat basin will be dredged to provide safe access and moorage.
Brigus – The wharf in this harbour was originally constructed in 1966. Several of its components have now deteriorated and require replacement. In order to maintain the integrity of the structure and provide safe berthage for vessel traffic, selected fenders, ladders and wheelguards will be removed and replaced.
Port De Grave – This project involves extending the marginal wharf to provide additional accommodation and service area within the harbour.
Salvage – The new fish processing plant, replaced and expanded after being destroyed by fire two years ago, has attracted more fishers to the community, creating a greater demand on facilities within the harbour. This project will extend the existing wharf and relocate the floating docks to the far end of the new facility. Work will be phased over a two-year period, with engineering and design completed this year and construction scheduled for completion prior to winter 2005.
Newtown – The outer marginal wharf, serving the fishers of this community for over 25 years, has now surpassed its life expectancy and requires replacement. This project will involve the demolition of the structure and replacement with a treated timber facility. In addition, several large rocks in the channel area that have been an ongoing concern for fishers will be removed. Work is expected to be completed by late fall.
Old Perlican – Two projects are scheduled at this site. One project will dredge an access channel to the harbour and carry out dredging in the harbour basin; this will provide a safer operating environment for larger vessels. A second project will include major repairs and/or replacement to the floating docks. These facilities are used extensively and are essential to harbour operations.
Gooseberry Cove – A project will be undertaken to construct a concrete launchway in the harbour this fall. The facility will provide a safe means for fishers to launch their vessels and remove them from the water for routine repairs and maintenance.
Fair Haven – This project will extend the existing breakwater/wharf, providing additional berthage and protection for the existing facilities. The project will commence during the summer, with completion scheduled in the fall.
Sibley’s Cove – This fall, dredging work will provide sufficient depths for safe berthage of smaller fishing vessels.
In addition, several other projects started last year will be completed. At Keels, armourstone is being installed adjacent to the wharf to prevent erosion of upland facilities. Last year’s planning and design work for the wharf reconstruction project at Glovertown will be followed this year by the demolition and replacement of the existing wharf with a new treated timber structure and construction of a short marginal wharf, all to be completed by spring of 2005. Also planned is the completion of the marginal wharf project that has been ongoing for the past two years at New Harbour, including a new deck, upgrading of the upland property and installation of two floating docks.
These projects will be implemented by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as part of its Small Craft Harbours Program, in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate the facilities for the benefit of local users. Such close cooperation with clients allows the federal government to continue to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada in support of commercial fishers.
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