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Released: 08 January, 2001
Bradshaw Announces Federal Funding For The Clean-Up And Repair Of Harbours Damaged By Last OctoberÂ's Storm In New Brunswick
January 8, 2001
MONCTON Â- The Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Minister of Labour and
Member of Parliament for the constituency of Moncton - Riverview - Dieppe,
announced today on behalf of the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of
Fisheries and Oceans, that the Government of Canada will invest funding in the
order of $2 million in the clean-up, dredging and repair of several fishing
harbours that were damaged in the October storm in New Brunswick.
"This investment underlines the federal governmentÂ's commitment to
maintain viable and safe harbours in support of coastal communities in New
Brunswick," said Ms. Bradshaw. "The repair projects are important to
those communities that will depend on the harbours to carry out their fishing
activities next spring."
Clean-up operations and minor works have already been carried out at the
following harbours: Anse-Bleue, Caraquet, Grande-Anse, Le Goulet, Miscou,
Petit-Rocher, Petit Shippagan, Pigeon Hill, Ste-Marie-sur-Mer and Val-Comeau.
Wharves and slipways, many already in poor condition, were severely damaged
by the storm. This included sheared copewalls and the complete destruction of
wooden decks, fender systems and ladders.
In particular, extensive structural damage was sustained at the wharves of Petit-Rocher
and Val-Comeau and at the slipway of Anse-Bleue. Repairs are
necessary to ensure fishing operations can be safely carried out at the start of
the next fishing season.
The plans and specifications for these repair projects are currently being
prepared by Public Works and Government Services Canada. On-site work is
expected to begin in the coming months.
Other sites, such as Pigeon Hill and Ste-Marie-sur-Mer, were
subjected to significant sand build-up due to the storm. Dredging is required to
provide fishers with safe navigating access to and from their harbours. This
work is planned for early spring 2001.
The access road at Le Goulet sustained important damage and needs to
be repaired. A project to protect the road should be underway during the winter
months. As for Caraquet, armour stone will be placed along the breakwater
to protect the upland. This work is planned for this winter.
In addition, dredging of the basin and installation of a floating dock will
be carried out at Miller Brook (Salmon Beach) in the spring.
All of the projects will be carried out by the federal Department of
Fisheries and Oceans, as part of its Small Craft Harbours program, in
cooperation with the harbour authorities, which manage and operate the
facilities for local users. Such close cooperation with clients allows the
federal government to continue to provide an operable system of harbours and
facilities throughout Canada in support of commercial fishers.
"I commend the local harbour authorities, which immediately went ahead
with the clean-up and minor repairs while waiting for government support,"
said Ms. Bradshaw. Their actions reflect the local communitiesÂ' willingness to
be involved in and take charge of their harbour facilities.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Maurice Girouard, Regional Director
Small Craft Harbours
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Moncton, New Brunswick
(506) 851-6581
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