The Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans has announced that the federal government is eager to invest an estimated $280,000 for the improvement of the commercial fishing harbours located at Faust and Joussard, Alberta. Brian Jean, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray-Athabasca, informed that the harbours need immediate improvements save and efficient operation. He added that the step indicates the federal government’s ongoing commitment to the commercial fishing industry on Lesser Slave Lake.
According to the plan the project at Joussard consists of extending the steel sheet pile wharf by 11 metres to make more efficient use of the harbour and enable the future installation of new floating wharves and ramps to accommodate larger fishing vessels. At Faust the project involves the expansion of the basin which will allow, in future phases, the installation of floating wharves to accommodate an additional 32 commercial fish harvesters and other users.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has undertaken these projects to ensure the provision of safe ad functional harbours in support of the commercial fishing industry and other boaters. It is said that the projects are being tendered by Public Works and Government Services Canada and is scheduled to complete by next year’s open season. It is also said that the improvement of harbours will allow the federal government to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada in support of the commercial fishery.
