The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, said that the Government of Canada will provide funding to improve safety and harbour operations. According to Hearn keeping harbours in safe condition so that those who use them can operate effectively is essential to the fish harvesters and communities that rely on them. He also added that such help from the government will boost the much needed work at five harbours in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The government has allocated $149,000 funds to projects at five fishing harbours in the province. At St. Bernard’s, a wharf repair project will provide users with a safe and fully functioning facility. Repositioning of some existing as well as placement of new armourstone at King’s Cove will improve shore protection for the upland property at this location. At Forteau, the construction of a new concrete boat launch with treated timber guardrails will provide for safe and efficient access to and from this harbour.
At Petty Harbour the fund will be used in a concrete boat launch construction project. At Fermeuse, the existing electrical system will be upgraded and the electrical system for the newly-constructed wharf will be installed. It is informed that these projects are being undertaken by the Small Craft Harbours Programme of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in close collaboration with local Harbour.
It is true that this co-operation allows the federal government and local Harbour Authorities to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada in support of commercial fish harvesters and other users. The government of Canada has increased the permanent annual funding for the Small Craft Harbours Programme by $20 million.
