NR-HQ-01-73E
MacAulay announces Federal Investment of $3.3 million
for improvement projects at several fishing harbours in Prince Edward Island
July 12, 2001
MONTAGUE – The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Member of Parliament for
Cardigan, and Solicitor General of Canada, announced today on behalf of the
Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the federal
government will invest $3.3 million in harbour improvements at several
fishing harbours in Prince Edward Island.
"Safe and efficient harbours are vital to the economic well-being of
fishing communities," said Mr. MacAulay. "This federal investment will
ensure that the industry continues to thrive."
A major breakwater reconstruction is planned at Savage Harbour.
This structure, which has seriously deteriorated over the years, is an
essential feature of the harbour. It serves as a retaining wall that
stabilizes the entrance of the harbour by maintaining adequate water depth
and width. It also helps to stabilize the existing dune system and allows
for safe passage to and from the harbour.
The project will be undertaken over a two-year period starting as soon as
the design phase is completed and environmental concerns have been
addressed.
Several improvements will be carried out at North Lake including
the construction of a marginal wharf and launching ramp as well as the
installation of a haulout. Fishers will be provided with improved facilities
that are essential for their safe and efficient operations.
At Red Head, the wharf will be repaired to safe operating
standards and the harbour basin will be dredged. The work will begin during
the summer months with completion planned for the fall.
A small wharf will be built at Sturgeon (Bridge). This new
facility will provide fishers with a few additional berthing spaces.
The project is scheduled to start during the summer and should be completed
within the following months.
Two other projects related to the October 2000 storm will be undertaken
during the upcoming months. The harbour basin at North Lake will be
dredged to ensure safe and efficient conditions for fishers. At Naufrage,
the wharf repair project that began last winter will be completed.
In addition, final work will be carried out at Lower Montague to
complete repairs to the wharf that began last fall.
These projects will be undertaken by the Department of Fisheries and
Oceans, Small Craft Harbours Program, in close collaboration with the
Harbour Authorities who manage and operate these facilities for the benefit
of local users. It is this close cooperation and partnership that enables
the federal government to continue to provide an operable system of harbours
and facilities throughout Canada in support of commercial fisheries. |