$6.4 million announced for Nova Scotia harbours

The federal government is investing $6.4 million in 22 Nova Scotia harbours, including several in southwestern Nova Scotia.

The funding will go towards new and ongoing projects, including dredging, wharf and harbour improvements, breakwater construction and planning and design for future work.

"I'm confident the support we are able to provide in partnership with harbour authorities will help meet local fisheries' development needs,” said MP Peter Mackay during the Aug. 6 announcement.

The 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.

Details of projects in southwestern N.S. are:

•Cape St. Marys - Dredging is planned, as infill over the years has made it difficult for fish harvesters to access and maneuver in the harbour. Channel and basin dredging will make harbour access and use safer and more efficient.

•Dennis Point - Basin dredging is to start this season to ensure full usability of the harbour basins. Other work involves completion of work on the end of the wharf to improve protection and capacity in the harbour.

•Little River Harbour - A breakwater construction project will be completed before next spring and will provide much-needed protection for the wharf.

•Lower East Pubnico - Advance planning is scheduled this year and will focus on the design work for a project to improve capacity and safety in the harbour.

•Meteghan - A basin dredging project will take place this year to help provide sufficient water depth for vessels relying on the harbour. Also planned for Meteghan are repairs to the fendering system along the outside of the main wharf.

•Wedgeport (Wedge Point) - This harbour will be the site of advance planning this year for a future harbour improvement project.

Other harbours in the province receiving funding for projects include Bay St. Lawrence, Caribou Ferry, Centreville, Cheticamp, Finlay Point, Glace Bay, Grand Etang, Havre Boucher, Judique, Louisbourg, Margaree Harbour, Murphys Pond, Owls Head, Pictou Landing, Port Bickerton East and Toney River.