Gail Shea, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, has announced that the federal government is investing in a major project to improve the harbor at Skinners Pond, PEI.
The project will provide a safer and more efficient working environment for harbor users and local fishermen.
This year at Skinners Pond, plans will be developed for extending the breakwater prior to construction of the extension in 2016-17.
The extension will provide safer navigation at the harbor entrance and reduce the requirement of dredging during peak periods. It will also provide better protection from sudden storm and weather events.
Maintenance dredging is planned and will also be carried out when necessary.
“Our Government is proud to support our hard-working PEI fishermen. Skinners Pond is a core harbour for western PEI. Extending the breakwater will provide safer navigation and better protection from storms. Our Government believes in the growth of our Canadian fisheries and we are committed to working with our fishermen to open new markets for their products and provide them with a safe-working environment ,” said Shea.
Since 2006, the Government of Canada has provided an unprecedented level of funding to support investments in public infrastructure across the country.
Last fall, Prime Minister Harper announced an additional investment of $5.8 billion over the next two years to build and renew infrastructure across the country to support Canadian heritage, First Nations education, defense, borders, research, small craft harbors, transportation and search and rescue.
As part of this funding, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard will receive a total of approximately $551 million. This includes $288 million for harbor improvements at small craft harbors.
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