Gerald Keddy, M. P. Announces Funding For Six Nova Scotia Harbours
Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore - St. Margaret's, with members of the Harbour Authority of Lower Sandy Point
LOCKEPORT, N.S. – Member of Parliament for South Shore−St. Margaret’s, Gerald Keddy, today announced on behalf of the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the Government of Canada is providing funding for improvements to six small craft harbours on Nova Scotia’s Southwest Shore.
“The Government of Canada is committed to providing the services and facilities that individuals employed in our fisheries need to earn a living and continue their important and ongoing contribution to our province,” said Gerald Keddy. “This funding will make a real difference in improving efficiency and providing safer working conditions for Nova Scotia fish harvesters at six important fishing harbours.”
This year, $1.3 million will be used for ongoing projects, including work on a breakwater, wharf construction, installation and construction of floating docks, engineering and harbour design as well as planning for future harbour development projects. The work will enable the new generation of lobster vessels to be accommodated at two of the three small craft harbours on Cape Sable Island. Preparatory work for future harbour development will take place at Falls Point and Lower Sandy Point.
These projects are being undertaken by Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbours Program, in close collaboration with the harbour authorities that manage and operate the facilities for local users. Such close co-operation with clients allows the federal government to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada, in support of commercial fish harvesters.
The Government of Canada understands the importance of small craft harbours to communities across the country. Since February 2006, the permanent annual funding for the Small Craft Harbours Program has been increased by $20 million, with a further $10 million commitment made in Budget 2008 over two years for repairs and environmental cleanup at recreational and non-core fishing harbours to permit the transfer of these harbours to interested parties.
FUNDING FOR SIX NOVA SCOTIA HARBOURS
A total of $1.37 million has been allocated in 2008-09 for projects at the following harbours:
Cape Sable Island—As part of three major capital projects on the island, the approach to the Kenny wharf is being completed at Clark’s Harbour, a marginal wharf and floating docks will be built at West Head and floating docks will be installed at Newellton. When completed, these projects will allow the West Head and Newellton harbours to accommodate the new generation of lobster vessels.
Lockeport—Breakwater work will be carried out to control waves that wash over the existing breakwater during adverse weather. Studies of wave action will also be carried out to provide information necessary for work to address the problem of wave surges in the harbour basin.
Engineering and final design work will take place at Falls Point and advance planning will continue at Lower Sandy Point for future harbour development projects.
