NR-HQ-01-15E

Speller announces federal funding for channel dredging at Port Dover Harbour in Ontario

March 2, 2001

SIMCOE – Bob Speller, Member of Parliament for the constituency of Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the Government of Canada will invest in the dredging of the entrance channel at Port Dover in Ontario.

"The dredging of the channel will provide a safe entrance way for both commercial fishermen and recreational boaters," said Mr. Speller. "This project demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to provide safe harbours."

Plans and specifications for the project are currently being prepared by Public Works and Government Services Canada, and will be followed by a tender call. The on-site work is expected to begin shortly after.

This project is being undertaken by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Small Craft Harbours Program, in collaboration with the Port Dover Harbour Authority Corporation which manages and operates the facility for the benefit of local users. It is this close co-operation 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.