For Immediate Release
August 28, 2009.
Government of Canada Invests in
French Creek Infrastructure
FRENCH CREEK, B.C. — Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo – Alberni, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, was pleased to announce $84,000 to the French Creek Harbour Authority. The Federal funding provided by the West Coast Community Adjustment Program (WestCCAP) is in response to help mitigate the changes within the salmon fishing industry.
“This project is an example of the benefits we get from timely investments in community infrastructure – jobs today and a stronger economy for years to come,” said Dr. Lunney. “With our Government’s investment, the upgraded harbour will improve tourism operations, attract investment, and create new opportunities for our region.”
With this funding, the French Creek Harbour Authority will create a dedicated visitor’s dock and a 120-foot public sales dock to attract additional tourism and investment opportunities to the Oceanside region.
“The Board of Directors of French Creek Harbour wishes to thank Dr. James Lunney for his support in directing $84,000.00 from the WestCCAP program to French Creek Harbour. It is exactly this kind of support and assistance, combined with our own resources, which enable us to maintain and develop the harbour to better serve the local commercial fishery and the area’s pleasure boaters,” said resident of the Board of Directors, French Creek Harbour, Lee Gilmour.
"The goals of coastal Community Futures are to ensure that communities maximize the economic benefits and diversification opportunities offered by harbours and ports,” said George Lerchs, Fisheries Legacy Trust. “We are glad to be partnered with the federal government and other community partners through WestCCAP, which helps allocate resources and helps achieve this goal."
The West Coast Community Adjustment Program will provide more than $7 million to support economic growth, job creation and the future sustainability of B.C. coastal communities affected by declines in resource-based sectors (forestry and fishing). The Fisheries Legacy Trust, comprising the 13 west coast Community Futures Development Corporations, is delivering this initiative on behalf of Western Economic Diversification. The Government of Canada supports initiatives that combat challenges facing traditional industries and protect resources in affected areas, to support the long-term success of resource-dependent communities.
