Coastal communities across Canada are supported by small craft harbors that bolster local economies and provide the commercial fishing industry with safe and accessible facilities, the Government of Canada said in its latest release.
With approximately 45,000 Canadians employed in this sector, the government is making investments to renew its network of small craft harbors across the country and work with municipalities and other stakeholders where investments and divestitures can enhance local communities.
On March 7, 2019, they announced that it has invested over $33 million in 35 small craft harbors across British Columbia between 2016 and 2020 to ensure coastal communities can continue to create jobs, and local economies can thrive. This investment was in addition to the ongoing Small Craft Harbor Program operational budget.
Yesterday, Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country, on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honorable Jonathan Wilkinson, announced how that investment will specifically support the Gibsons Landing Small Craft Harbor and benefit the local and area economy.
Funds for the Gibsons Landing Harbor cover reconstruction of the existing harbor timber approach and wharfhead, which have suffered significant deterioration due to vehicle traffic and environmental factors.
This work will ensure safety and continued use of the facility by the commercial fishing fleet.
Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested $2.3M in the Gibsons Landing Harbor, which includes projected expenditures to complete this project.
Planning work started in 2018 and will be completed by spring 2020, and the specific dollar amount is not being announced until the tendering process is completed.