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.