Harper Government Invests in Major Improvements for Fishing Harbours in British Columbia

STEVESTON, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 22, 2015) - The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, together with the Honourable Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Member of Parliament for Delta-Richmond East and Minister of National Revenue, announced today that the Government of Canada will invest more than $46 million over the next two years at 33 harbours in British Columbia to improve safety and working conditions for fishermen.

More than $14 million of this total investment will support improvement projects at the Steveston Harbour's Gulf and Paramount small craft harbour sites. Together, these two sites represent the largest and most active commercial fishing hub in British Columbia.

The following projects are being carried out:

Gulf

• Replacement of the public fish sales floating docks with new, concrete structures as well as reconstruction of electrical, fire protection and water services;
• Replacement of the deteriorated Third Avenue wharf, to be carried out over two years;
• Replacement of deteriorated components of the Sixth and Seventh Avenue wharves; and
• Maintenance dredging.

Paramount

• Reconstruction of portions of the electrical systems in the service area and of all electrical systems on the floating timber docks;
• Replacement of the wharves at the Fish Auction location with a new marginal wharf;
• Replacement of the timber floating docks at the Nelson Pond; and
• Maintenance dredging.

The federal investment in BC harbours of more than $46 million mentioned above includes funding for previously announced projects at harbours in Kanaka Landing, Mission and Ladner. Projects being carried out in other communities across the province will be announced over the coming weeks.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada has provided an unprecedented level of funding to support investments in public infrastructure across the country. Last fall, Prime Minister Harper announced an additional investment of $5.8 billion over the next two years to build and renew infrastructure across the country to support Canadian heritage, First Nations education, defence, borders, research, small craft harbours, transportation and search and rescue. As part of this funding, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard will receive a total of approximately $551 million. This includes $288 million for harbour improvements at small craft harbours.

Quick Facts

• Steveston Harbour includes 36 buildings, 18 wharves and 56 floating docks that serve over 500 commercial fishing vessels and support numerous other marine-based industries.
• Landings at Steveston Harbour range between 30-65 million pounds per year. The primary species offloaded at the harbour include salmon, herring, tuna, black cod, hake, groundfish and shellfish.
• The Government of Canada supports more than 1000 small craft harbours across Canada. Harbour improvement projects are undertaken in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.
• Small craft harbours support the commercial fishing industry. Nearly 90 percent of all commercial fish harvesters in Canada use small craft harbour facilities, and their annual production represents approximately $1.6 billion.
• British Columbia is Canada's third largest exporter of fish and seafood, with exports valued at $981.9 million (10% increase over the previous year).

Quotes

"For generations, hard-working Canadian men and women have made their livelihood from our waters. Without question, small craft harbours are the cornerstone of the commercial fishing industry. Today's announcement is part of our Government's ongoing commitment to support harbours, local economies and foster job creation."

The Honourable Gail Shea

Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

"Here in Steveston, fishing is an important way of life for many. Our Government is committed to supporting infrastructure that our dedicated fishermen rely upon in order to provide for their families. We have and will continue to provide a safe working environment for the people of British Columbia."

The Honourable Kerry-Lynne Findlay

Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Delta-Richmond East

"The Steveston Harbour Authority appreciates the continuing commitment to British Columbia's small craft harbours announced today. The upcoming construction, replacements, repairs and dredging will help us continue to provide excellent facilities and services that support our fishing industry, which is showing signs of new life in a number of sectors. We are truly grateful and excited about today's announcement, which reinforces the importance of Steveston as a hub for British Columbia's commercial fishing.

Robert Kiesman

Chair, Steveston Harbour Authority

Associated Links

• Small Craft Harbours

• Harper Government Invests $450,000 in Two British Columbia Harbours

• Harper Government Invests in Ladner Harbour

IF THERE IS A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN ANY PRINTED VERSION AND THE ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THIS NEWS RELEASE, THE ELECTRONIC VERSION WILL PREVAIL.

This news release is available online at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.