NR-HQ-01-65E

Thibault Announces Federal Investment of $2.2 Million for Projects at Small Craft Harbours in Nova Scotia

June 27, 2001

ANTIGONISH -- The Honourable Robert Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Member of Parliament for the constituency of West Nova, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the Government of Canada will invest $2.2 million in harbour improvements at three Nova Scotia fishing harbours.

"The Government of Canada is committed to providing safe and viable harbours for its coastal communities," said Mr. Thibault. "Local fishers will greatly benefit from this investment in their harbours."

At Bayfield, the project will consist of the reconstruction of the wharf which is severely deteriorated and has reached the end of its design life. The construction of floating wharves, a new launching ramp and services areas is also planned as part of this project. This much needed work will provide fishers with a safe and efficient facility for their operations. Construction is scheduled to start this fiscal year after environmental approvals have been received with completion planned for the spring of 2002.

The project at Ballantynes Cove consists of the repair of 150 metres of wharf face which is severely deteriorated. Pre-engineering work including the preparation of plans and specifications as well as an environmental assessment are expected to occur this year. Tender call is scheduled for May of next year with the construction period running from July to November of 2002.

At Barrios Beach, work will involve the removal of approximately 10,000 cubic metres of dredge material from the channel using floating plant equipment with land-based disposal. The dredging, which is scheduled to begin in August, is required to provide fishers with safe navigating access to and from their harbours.

These 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.