No. P7/01
For release July 26, 2001

FRIENDLY COVE, B.C. –– Environment Minister David Anderson and MP (Victoria), on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced the official transfer of the Friendly Cove public port facility, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, to the Mowachaht Muchalaht First Nation.

The transfer agreement includes a $400,000 contribution from the National Marine Policy’s Divestiture Fund to offset initial operating costs, such as repairs and ongoing maintenance, for the port facilities. The Friendly Cove port facility includes a wharf and two breakwaters.

"The Mowachaht Muchalaht First Nation is to be congratulated for joining the move towards a new era of port management," said Mr. Anderson. "Having these facilities run by local people who know its role in the community –– and its potential for growth –– will allow them to function in a more commercial and cost–effective manner."

Under the National Marine Policy, announced in December 1995, regional/local port facilities are being transferred to other interests over a six–year period ending in March 2002. In some cases, ports are being transferred as operating ports; in other cases, Crown land and facilities are being transferred to interested parties for other uses.

"The National Marine Policy enables ports to respond more effectively to the needs of their customers," said Mr. Collenette. " The better use of the transportation infrastructure in this manner will ultimately provide a boost to trade, tourism and job creation."

The Friendly Cove port facility was one of Transport Canada’s regional/local ports sites, which range from large facilities that support significant local and regional commercial activity to very small facilities with little or no commercial traffic.

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2000 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

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Contact: Rod Nelson, Communications, Vancouver, (604) 666–1675

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