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Released: 20 September, 1999
Pickard Announces Harbour Improvements For Wheatley Harbour
September 20, 1999
WHEATLEYÂ- Jerry Pickard, Member of Parliament for the constituency
of Chatham-Kent Essex, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal,
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the federal government will invest in
harbour improvements at the Ontario fishing harbour of Wheatley.
The harbour facilities at Wheatley consist of a 60-berth full-service
commercial fishing centre. Infilling of the entrance channel, to the degree that
restricts safe passage for vessels, has been an annual and sometimes semi-annual
event as Wheatley Harbour is situated in an active littoral zone of Lake Erie.
This yearÂ's low water levels have further compounded the problem. The existing
channel will be dredged to a depth of 2.1 m. This project, which will be
completed this fall, will allow users safe access to their fishing grounds.
Repairs consisting of the replacement of the timber pile fender system will
also be undertaken at this harbour.
"The formation of a Harbour Authority to manage the day-to-day operation
of the harbour demonstrates the usersÂ' commitment to the harbour and the
community. Federal funding assistance demonstrates the governmentÂ's commitment
to maintain a system of safe harbour facilities which enable fishers and
communities to make the most of their economic opportunities", said Mr. Pickard.
These projects are being undertaken by the Department of Fisheries and
Oceans, Small Craft Harbours Program, in collaboration with the local Harbour
Authority who manages and operates this facility for the benefit of local users.
It is this close cooperation with clients that enables the federal government to
continue to provide an operable system of harbours and facilities throughout
Canada in support of commercial fisheries.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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D. G. Blanchard, Director
Small Craft Harbours
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(905) 639-4330
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