Minister Shea and MP Kerr Announce Funding for a Major Harbour Improvement Project at Saulnierville Harbour

SAULNIERVILLE, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - June 24, 2014) - The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova, today announced that the Government of Canada is investing in a major harbour improvement project at Saulnierville Harbour.

The harbour project will consist of the installation of floating wharves and the completion of basin dredging that began last year. This will provide for improved capacity and safe water depth to accommodate fish harvesters and their vessels. The dredging is expected to be finished in late July 2014, while the installation of the floating wharves is expected to be completed prior to the fall fishery.

Additional Nova Scotia harbour projects will be announced at a later date.

Quick Facts

• Saulnierville Harbour is homeport to approximately 9 vessels, supporting fisheries such as lobster, herring, winter flounder, sculpin, haddock, and sea scallop. Landings in 2013 represented an estimated value over $3 million.
• This project is part of the Government of Canada's investment of approximately $106 million in repair, construction, maintenance and dredging projects across Canada.
• This includes regular, annual funding and an additional $40 million over two years, as announced in Economic Action Plan 2014.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada undertakes projects in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate the facilities for local users.
• The Small Craft Harbours Program is responsible for over 1000 small craft harbours across Canada.

Quotes

"This Government understands that by investing in infrastructure at our small craft harbours we are also creating employment opportunities that benefit local communities and ensure the livelihood of our fishing industry. The funding announced today will maintain a network of safe and efficient harbours across Canada and contribute to continued economic growth and prosperity for Canadians."

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

"Our Government has invested $7 million in the last five fiscal years at the Saulnierville Harbour for harbour development projects, including the construction of a breakwater and an access road, a major dredging project and the installation of floating docks. As the MP for West Nova, I am proud to be part of a Government that is committed to ensuring that our fishery sector thrives."

Mr. Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament for West Nova

Associated Links

Small Craft Harbours

http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sch-ppb/aboutsch-aproposppb-eng.asp

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca