NR-HQ-01-46E

O'Brien announces federal investment of $1.7 Million for harbour projects in Labrador

May 23, 2001

LABRADOR – Lawrence O’Brien, Member of Parliament for the constituency of Labrador, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans that the federal government will invest $1.7 million in improvements at the fishing harbours of St. Lewis, Makkovik and Forteau in the riding of Labrador.

"This investment will be of great benefit to the fishers of those communities. It will provide them with safer facilities and a more efficient working environment for years to come," said Mr. O’Brien.

St. Lewis: This project consists of replacing some of the wheel guards and fendering system along the face of the wharf and installing additional cleats to enable the berthage of the larger vessels. The work also includes upgrading the existing electrical system. Completion of this project will offer users an improved and safer facility. The work is scheduled to commence this summer and be completed in the fall.

Makkovik: This project will see a 61 meters finger pier extension and the installation of the electrical and washdown systems. The extension of the finger pier will act as a breakwater providing protection to the inside area of the harbour. The work is scheduled to commence this summer and completion is anticipated this fall.

Forteau: This project will complete the reconstruction project to the approach and inner portion of the wharf started last year. Completion of this project will give fishers access to a safer and more efficient harbour. The work is currently on going and will be completed this summer.

These projects will be undertaken by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Small Craft Harbours Program, in collaboration with the Harbour Authority which manages and operates facilities 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.