$4.5 Million for Nanaimo-Alberni Small Craft Harbours

Parksville, British Columbia – Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Alberni; on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, was at the French Creek Harbour today to  announce   that local workers and businesses will benefit from a major new investment in small craft harbours throughout central Vancouver Island.
 
“The commercial fishery is vital to families and businesses throughout this region – from Tofino to Parksville” said Lunney.  “By investing $4,550,000.00 in small craft harbours; right here in Nanaimo-Alberni, the Government of Canada is helping to create local jobs at a time when they are needed most, while ensuring that those who rely on the fishery can count on improved harbours for years to come.” 

Harbour development and repair projects will be carried out at French Creek, Port Alberni, and Ucluelet West. Major projects, including the installation of large scale floating wharves, will also take place at French Creek, and Port Alberni.  Wharf repairs and improvements are planned for Bamfield West. Float repairs are scheduled for French Creek, and Ucluelet West. Breakwater construction and repairs will take place at Deep Bay, and Port Alberni. Float access, construction and repair will be undertaken at French Creek. Electrical service improvements will be carried out at Deep Bay.

The Small Craft Harbours Program is one of many job-creating investments contained in Canada’s Economic Action Plan.  Through this plan, Canadian communities will receive $200 million over two years to accelerate harbour repair and maintenance, as well as undertake dredging projects.  This new investment is in addition to regular program funding of approximately $80 million for the Small Craft Harbours Program this year.

These projects are being supported by Fisheries and Oceans Canada Small Craft Harbours Program, in close collaboration with the harbour authorities that manage and operate these facilities. This close co-operation allows the federal government to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout Canada, in support of commercial fish harvesters.

Information about projects being carried out in the Province of British Columbia under Canada’s Economic Action Plan and the small craft harbours regular program may be found at:

http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/back-fiche/2009/pr10-eng.htm

For more information on the Small Craft Harbours Program, visit http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sch-ppb/home-accueil-eng.htm. For further information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/index.asp