West Nova MP Colin Fraser has announced $8.35 million in new funding for six small craft harbour improvement projects in West Nova in the first of what will be series of announcements by MPs in the coming weeks identifying 27 projects across the province that will be the beneficiaries of a $42-million investment by the federal government over the next three years.
Fraser made the announcement Aug. 22 at the Dennis Point wharf in Lower West Pubnico, where construction of a new wharf to the south of the existing structures will be built.
“This $8.35-million investment in local small craft harbours not only helps the commercial fishing industry, but West Nova as a whole,” said Fraser. “While additional work on small craft harbours throughout West Nova also needs to get done, today’s announcement demonstrates our government’s commitment to ensuring that fishers can continue to rely on safe and accessible harbours. Investing in our small craft harbours not only helps to renew and maintain the infrastructure that forms the backbone of our regional economy, but also creates job opportunities for fishers, small businesses and local communities.”
Other projects identified for funding include the construction of a containment cell to allow for the disposal of dredged materials at wharves in both Chegoggin and Pinkney’s Point. In Hampton, it will be the installation of new piles, tie rods and concrete anchor blocks. The Meteghan wharf will see the installation of a float system while in Wedgeport repair work will be carried out to damaged steel piles using concrete jackets along with reinforcing steel plates.
The new funding is in addition to approximately $2 million in existing funding that will be used for projects throughout West Nova.
The federal government is investing $250 million over two years to renew its network of small craft harbours and work with municipalities and other stakeholders to enhance local communities, economies and foster job creation. This is in addition to $100 million that will be invested in 2018-19 for repairs, maintenance, construction and dredging at core commercial fishing harbours across Canada.
South Shore St Margaret’s MP Bernadette Jordan was scheduled to make a similar funding announcement Aug. 23 in at the Upper Port La Tour wharf.
