NR-HQ-00-55E

MIFFLIN ANNOUNCES A FEDERAL INVESTMENT OF $500,000 FOR PROJECTS  AT SMALL CRAFT HARBOURS IN NEWFOUNDLAND

July 18, 2000

BONAVISTA-TRINITY-CONCEPTION – The Honourable Fred Mifflin, Member of Parliament for the constituency of Bonavista-Trinity-Conception, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the federal government will invest $500,000 in harbour projects at Bonavista and Wesleyville in Newfoundland.

Bonavista: This project is the continuation of work started last year. It will include the demolition and the reconstruction of 85 meters of the marginal wharf in the Inner Pond. The work will be carried out in partnership with Human Resources Development Canada and the Harbour Authority of Bonavista. Once completed, the new structure will provide fishers with a safe and operational berthage area. The work is scheduled to begin in late August and be completed by late fall.

Wesleyville: The deck of the existing wharf has deteriorated to the point where it is unsafe for operational activities. Under this project, the deck will be demolished and replaced with a new concrete structure. Completion of this project will provide a safe and hygienic operational area for fish handling. The work will be carried out during the fall months.

"Harbours need consistent maintenance for their safe and efficient operation," said the Honourable Mifflin. "These projects underline the federal government’s determination to maintain viable and safe harbours in support of Newfoundland’s fishing community."

These projects are undertaken by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Small Craft Harbours Program, in collaboration with the Harbour Authorities who manage and operate facilities for the benefit of local users. It is this close cooperation which enables the federal government to continue to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada in support of commercial fishing and resident coastal communities.