INVESTMENT FOR CANADIAN FISHING HARBOUR

Investment for Canadian fishing harbour – Last month, the Government of Canada announced that it has invested over $33 million in 35 small craft harbours 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 Harbour Program operational budget.

And last week, 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 Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, announced how that investment will specifically support the Gibsons Landing Small Craft Harbour and benefit the local and area economy.

Funds for the Gibsons Landing Harbour cover reconstruction of the existing harbour 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 Harbour, 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.

“Investments that help improve communities are a priority for our Government. When we invest in the community, Canadians and the Canadian economy benefit. Small Craft Harbour investments demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to local economies.  We are proud of this investment to support the fishing industry—a key economic sector that helps support coastal communities across the country,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

“I’m pleased to announce this major investment for our community. Investing in the local small craft harbour helps the Sunshine Coast as a whole. The work carried out will not only renew and maintain the infrastructure that is essential to the region, but also stimulate job opportunities that will benefit fishermen and support our local communities. I am also pleased that with this funding we are able to support the ongoing outstanding work of the volunteer Harbour Authority Board who manages this facility,” added Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country

Joseph Wright, Chair, Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority, said:  “The Board and the Staff of the Gibsons Landing Harbour Commission are delighted with this new investment in infrastructure maintenance for the harbour.  We have been in discussions with Small Craft harbours for some time, leading to this major upgrade to our facilities.  The reconstruction, particularly on the approach way to the dock, will ensure the safety of all who use the dock, and will enhance our ability to handle the diverse traffic using the wharf on a daily basis.  We really appreciate the excellent partnership we have with Small Craft Harbours and look forward to a long a productive relationship.”