NR-HQ-01-57E

Tobin Announces Investment of $8.7 Million for Harbours Projects at Small Craft Harbours in Newfoundland

June 1, 2001

BONAVISTA--TRINITY--CONCEPTION – The Honourable Brian Tobin, Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Trinity-Conception, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the federal government will invest $8.7 million in harbour improvements at several fishing harbours in Newfoundland.

"This investment demonstrates the government’s commitment to maintain a system of safe harbour facilities which enable fishermen and communities to make the most of their economic opportunities," said Mr. Tobin. "This will make a real difference to those in the industry who rely on these harbours for their livelihood."

At Old Perlican, the project consists of constructing a marginal wharf along the inside of the eastern breakwater to provide a safe and sheltered tie-up for the vessels using this facility. Dredging of the harbour basin and entrance will also be carried out to accommodate the 65-ft class of vessels. The plans and specifications for the project will be prepared during the summer with a tender call to follow in the fall. On-site construction will begin in the spring of 2002 with completion of the project expected in the fall of 2003.

The armour stone protecting the breakwater/wharf at Ochre Pit Cove has settled over the years causing the waves to pass through and over the structure. This has created berthing difficulties and unsafe conditions for the fishers. Technical studies will be undertaken this summer in order to find a solution that will correct this situation. The preparation of plans and specifications and a tender call will follow shortly after. Although some minor works will be carried out this year, on-site construction of the major project is planned for next year.

At Bay de Verde, a new breakwater on the northern side of the harbour will be constructed in the area locally known as Dennis’s Rocks. This new construction will bring sea conditions in the harbour to an acceptable safe level. The plans and specifications for the project will be prepared during the summer with a tender call to follow in the fall. Some minor works will be carried out this year but the major portion of the project will be completed by the fall of 2002.

The depth of water in the Best Cove area of Southern Harbour is not sufficient to allow access to the larger vessels. This project consists of dredging the outside portion of the cove to a depth of –3 meters and the inside portion to a depth of –2 meters. In addition, it is proposed to demolish the dilapidated marginal wharf and slipway and reconstruct a new marginal wharf in the same location. Work is scheduled to commence during the summer and be completed next spring. Fishers will be provided with a safer facility and additional berthage space.

At Wesleyville, the project involves the demolition and the reconstruction of the cribwork to its current dimension using treated timber topped with a concrete deck. The work is scheduled to start this summer and be completed in the fall.

The existing electrical system at Arnold’s Cove will be repaired and upgraded to accommodate the increased demands of vessels utilizing this facility. The slipway will also be repaired in order to correct an undermining problem. This work will be undertaken during the summer.

The existing breakwater/wharf at Gooseberry Cove does not provide the necessary protection to vessels using this harbour. This project consists of extending this structure by approximately 30 meters in order to alleviate the agitation problem experienced by the local fishers. The work is scheduled to commence shortly and be completed in the summer of 2002.

A project at Dover will involve the construction and installation of floating docks to provide additional berthage for the vessels using this facility. The work will start during the summer with completion planned for the fall.

The work to be undertaken at Lumsden involves two distinct projects. The first project will consist of the installation of a concrete deck on the marginal wharf that was constructed last year. This work will be undertaken during the summer and completed in the fall. The second project will involve the reconfiguration of the breakwater to alleviate the wave agitation that exists within the harbour. The technical studies and the preparation of plans and specifications will begin this summer. Tenders will be called in the late fall with on-site work expected to commence in the spring of 2002.

In addition, projects started last year at Catalina and at St. Brendan’s will continue. In Catalina, the reconstruction of the marginal wharf and the extension of the finger pier will be completed in early fall. As for St. Brendan’s, work in progress to extend the finger pier will be completed during the summer months. This will result in improved services to fishing vessels using these two harbours.

These projects are undertaken by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Small Craft Harbours Program, in collaboration with those Harbour Authorities which manage and operate facilities for the benefit of local users. It is this close cooperation 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.