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CHATHAM -- Dave Van Kesteren, Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent--Essex,
announced today on behalf of the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries
and Oceans, that Canada’s New Government will invest close to $330,000 in the commercial
fishing harbours at Rondeau (Erieau) and Wheatley, Ontario.
"Funding for these projects demonstrates the continued commitment of Canada’s
New Government to provide a safe harbour system for the communities of Rondeau (Erieau)
and Wheatley," said Mr. Van Kesteren.
The harbour facilities at Rondeau consist of a 30-berth full service commercial
fishing centre, as well as a recreational marina with more than 200 berths situated
in the Village of Erieau, on the north shore of Lake Erie. The proposed investment
will address assorted safety-related repairs to the west pier. A tender call is
expected later this summer and it is anticipated that on-site work will begin in
the late summer or early fall.
Wheatley’s 60-berth full-service commercial fishing centre is Canada’s largest
harbour serving the inland fishing industry. The facility is located southeast of
Leamington, at the outlet of Muddy Creek, on the north shore of Lake Erie. Periodic
infilling of the harbour entrance channel, combined with continuing low water levels,
have been restricting safe passage of vessels into the harbour. Funding has been
allocated to address this issue while continuing to work with the Essex Region Conservation
Authority to develop a long-term solution.
These projects are being undertaken by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as part of
its Small Craft Harbours Program, in close collaboration with the local Harbour
Authorities that manage and operate the facilities for the local users. This 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.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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Colleen O’Meara
Communications Manager
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Central and Arctic Region
Burlington, Ontario
905-336-4822 |
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NR-HQ-07-41E |
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