No. P10/01 
For release July 26, 2001

SECHELT, B.C. –– Environment Minister David Anderson and MP (Victoria), on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced the official transfer of seven public port facilities to the Sunshine Coast Regional District. The port facilities transferred include Eastbourne, Gambier Harbour, Halfmoon Bay, Halkett Bay, Keats Landing, Port Graves and Vaucroft.

The transfer agreement includes a $150,000 contribution for each of the port facilities, for a total of $1,050,000, from the National Marine Policy’s Divestiture Fund to offset initial operating costs, such as repairs and ongoing maintenance.

• The Eastbourne port facility includes an approach, a float, and a wharf.
• The Gambier Harbour port facility includes an approach, a wharf and a shed.
• The Halfmoon Bay port facility includes an approach, a float, and a wharf.
• The Halkett Bay port facility includes an approach, a shed, a float, and a wharf.
• The Keats Landing port facility includes an approach, a shed, a float, and a wharf.
• The Port Graves port facility includes an approach, a shed, a float, and a wharf.
• The Vaucroft port facility includes an approach, a shed, a float, and a wharf.

"The Sunshine Coast Regional District 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 their role in the community –– and the 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 seven port facilities were Transport Canada regional/local ports. Regional/local ports 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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