NR-HQ-00-74E

BOUDREAU ANNOUNCES $1,675,000 FEDERAL INVESTMENT FOR IMPROVEMENTS AT NOVA SCOTIA FISHING HARBOURS

August 10, 2000

TERENCE BAY-- The Honourable Bernie Boudreau, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the Government of Canada will invest $1,675,000 in projects at the fishing harbours of Mabou, Feltzen South, Terence Bay, Delaps Cove, Louisbourg, Cape St. Mary’s, Lower Wedgeport (Tuna Wharf) and West Head in Nova Scotia.

"Harbours need consistent maintenance for their safe and efficient operation," said Senator Boudreau. "These projects will make a real difference to fishers and members of communities who rely on these harbours for their livelihoods."

The breakwater protecting the entrance channel to Mabou harbour has sustained major damage over the years due to storm conditions. This project entails the reconstruction of a section of 270 metres of this structure and dredging of approximately 10,000 cubic metres of material at the entrance channel. It is anticipated that construction will start early this fall and should be completed by February of 2001.

At Feltzen South, the project consists of the reconstruction of the 31-metre middle section of the wharf by installing new timber cribs topped with a concrete deck. Dredging of the basin area adjacent to the new cribs will also be carried out as well as minor repairs to the breakwater.

At Terence Bay, the top 43-metre section of the skidway will be repaired. This will complete the work begun last year.

The project at Delaps Cove consists of repairing the marginal wharf and the wave-break wall, which were severely damaged by a January storm.

At Louisbourg, the project consists of wharf repairs and other work to remedy safety issues caused by the January storm.

At Cape St. Mary’s and Lower Wedgeport (Tuna Wharf), repairs will be undertaken to the wharves in order to restore them to safe operating conditions.

The work at West Head will involve dredging an unused area of the harbour and extending a natural ledge to provide safe access and protection for berthing vessels.

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