NR-HQ-01-01E

Bradshaw announces Federal Funding for the Clean-Up and Repair of Harbours Damaged by Last October’s Storm in New Brunswick

January 8, 2001

MONCTON – The Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for the constituency of Moncton - Riverview - Dieppe, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the Government of Canada will invest funding in the order of $2 million in the clean-up, dredging and repair of several fishing harbours that were damaged in the October storm in New Brunswick.

"This investment underlines the federal government’s commitment to maintain viable and safe harbours in support of coastal communities in New Brunswick," said Ms. Bradshaw. "The repair projects are important to those communities that will depend on the harbours to carry out their fishing activities next spring."

Clean-up operations and minor works have already been carried out at the following harbours: Anse-Bleue, Caraquet, Grande-Anse, Le Goulet, Miscou, Petit-Rocher, Petit Shippagan, Pigeon Hill, Ste-Marie-sur-Mer and Val-Comeau.

Wharves and slipways, many already in poor condition, were severely damaged by the storm. This included sheared copewalls and the complete destruction of wooden decks, fender systems and ladders.

In particular, extensive structural damage was sustained at the wharves of Petit-Rocher and Val-Comeau and at the slipway of Anse-Bleue. Repairs are necessary to ensure fishing operations can be safely carried out at the start of the next fishing season.

The plans and specifications for these repair projects are currently being prepared by Public Works and Government Services Canada. On-site work is expected to begin in the coming months.

Other sites, such as Pigeon Hill and Ste-Marie-sur-Mer, were subjected to significant sand build-up due to the storm. Dredging is required to provide fishers with safe navigating access to and from their harbours. This work is planned for early spring 2001.

The access road at Le Goulet sustained important damage and needs to be repaired. A project to protect the road should be underway during the winter months. As for Caraquet, armour stone will be placed along the breakwater to protect the upland. This work is planned for this winter.

In addition, dredging of the basin and installation of a floating dock will be carried out at Miller Brook (Salmon Beach) in the spring.

All of the projects will be carried out by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, as part of its Small Craft Harbours program, in cooperation with the harbour authorities, which manage and operate the facilities for 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.

"I commend the local harbour authorities, which immediately went ahead with the clean-up and minor repairs while waiting for government support," said Ms. Bradshaw. Their actions reflect the local communities’ willingness to be involved in and take charge of their harbour facilities.