Stephenville’s Port Harmon will get a reconstructed boat launchway, thanks to a federal government investment of $16.1 million to repair and maintain small craft harbours in Newfoundland and Labrador this year.
Peter Penashue, intergovernmental affairs minister, made the announcement today on behalf of Keith Ashfield, fisheries and oceans minister.
"Our government understands that safe fishing harbours are vitally important to the economy of many coastal communities in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister Penashue, in a release. “The investments we are making today will help meet the needs of commercial fishers and their communities for years to come.”
This year, Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbours Program will undertake necessary dredging, repair and maintenance projects at 22 fishing harbours across Newfoundland and Labrador. Minor repair and maintenance projects will also be carried out at harbours throughout the province.
This investment is in addition to funding announced in March 2011 to support fish harvesters in storm-damaged areas in Newfoundland and Labrador, other provinces in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Manitoba.
“We are pleased to provide hard-working Canadians with the facilities they need to earn their livelihood and support their families,” stated Minister Penashue.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada undertakes these projects in co-operation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users. Close co-operation between the department and harbour authorities allows the federal government to continue to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada in support of the commercial fishing industry.
Other projects being funded under the program include completion of wharf reconstruction projects at Arnold’s Cove, Fischells, Sibleys Cove, Straitsview (Spillars Cove), Frenchman’s Cove (Bay of Islands) and Holyrood; along with completion of harbour improvement projects at Charlottetown, François, Harbour Breton, Jerseyside, Port Saunders and Long Cove.
