NR-HQ-00-26E

Dhaliwal announces a $2.45 million investment for Caraquet Harbour

June 7, 2000

CARAQUET – The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the federal government will invest $2.45 million over the next three years in improvements at the Caraquet harbour.

"I am pleased to announce this $2.45 million funding to improve the Caraquet harbour. This project is of vital importance to the Caraquet area, and will make a real difference to fishers by giving them access to a safe and more efficient harbour, " said Minister Dhaliwal. "Mayor Roberta Dugas and Mr. Bernard Thériault, the local M.L.A. brought this project to my attention earlier this year. I thank them for their commitment to the members of this community who rely on this harbour for their livelihoods."

The Caraquet harbour will be developed to ensure a safer working environment for users.

Phase I of the project will consist of the reconstruction of approximately 115 metres of the access wharf. The second phase will see the reconstruction of the central wharf using steel sheet piling and armour stone as well as the installation of armour stone protection on the seaside of the east wharf. Pre-engineering plans have been completed and work on phase I of the project should begin soon.

This project is being undertaken by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Small Craft Harbours Program, in close collaboration with "Le comité du Port de Caraquet Inc.", who manages and operates these facilities for the benefit of local users. It is this close cooperation with clients that enables the federal government to continue to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada in support of commercial fisheries.