NR-HQ-00-59E

Dhaliwal announces $507,000 for harbour improvements at two Prince Edward Island fishing harbours

July 19, 2000

NAUFRAGE -- The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General and MP for Cardigan, jointly announced today $507,000 for harbour improvement projects at the Naufrage and Annandale fishing harbours in Prince Edward Island.

"I am pleased to announce this $507,000 federal funding to improve these Prince Edward Island harbours. These projects are of vital importance to the Naufrage and Annandale areas, and will make a real difference to fishers by giving them access to safer and more efficient harbours," said Minister Dhaliwal. "Mr. Lawrence MacAulay brought these projects to my attention earlier this year. I thank him for his commitment to the members of these communities who rely on these harbours for their livelihoods."

Naufrage is a large harbour with a home fleet of approximately 80 vessels. The proposed project at this site entails the construction of a new marginal wharf on the west side of the harbour. This new wharf will alleviate the overcrowding situation that occurs during peak fishing seasons.

At Annandale, the project involves repairs to a 120' x 30' section of wharf which sustained considerable damage this past winter as a result of a tidal surge. The repairs will provide users with a safe facility.

"It is expected that construction will commence this fall once plans and specifications are completed," said Minister MacAulay. "With the completion of these projects, fishers will be provided with improved facilities from which to operate. These projects underline the federal government’s commitment to maintaining viable and safe harbours in support of Prince Edward Island’s marine community."

These projects are being undertaken by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Small Craft Harbours Program, in close collaboration with the Harbour Authorities who manage and operate 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.