Harper Government Invests in Winnipegosis Harbour

WINNIPEGOSIS, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - May 21, 2015) - Robert Sopuck, Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada will invest in a harbour improvement project at Winnipegosis Harbour, Manitoba. The project will provide a safer and more efficient working environment for harbour users and local fishermen.

At Winnipegosis Harbour, the concrete deck on the existing wharf will be reconstructed. Public Works and Government Services Canada has issued a tender for this work. Construction is expected to begin in the summer and to be completed by September. More information regarding the cost of the project will available after the awarding of the contract.

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, defence, borders, research, small craft harbours, 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 harbour improvements at small craft harbours.

Quick Facts

• There are two marine properties within the Winnipegosis site: the Mossey River Harbour and the Winnipegosis Harbour.
• The Winnipegosis site accommodates 10 local and two transient vessels. All the vessels that use the facilities are 45-60 foot steel-hulled whitefish boats.
• The main species harvested at the two facilities are walleye, jackfish, mullet, whitefish, and carp.
• The Government of Canada supports more than 1,000 small craft harbours across Canada. Harbour improvement projects are undertaken in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.
• Small craft harbours support the commercial fishing industry. Nearly 90 percent of all commercial fish harvesters in Canada use small craft harbour facilities and their annual production represents approximately $1.6 billion.

Quotes

"For generations, hard-working Canadian men and women have made their livelihood from our waters. Without question, small craft harbours are the cornerstone of the commercial fishing industry. Today's announcement is part of our Government's ongoing commitment to support harbours, local economies and foster job creation."

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

"This new dock is key to the development of Winnipegosis, and will help with the revitalization of the waterfront. It will serve as an improved facility for tourism, as well as recreational and commercial fishing. Fishing and tourism businesses are important to rural Manitoba communities like Winnipegosis and our Government is committed to supporting infrastructure that our fishermen and tourism industries rely upon. We have and will continue to provide a safe working and recreational environment for the people of Manitoba."

Robert Sopuck, Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette

"The Winnipegosis Harbour Authority would like to thank the Government of Canada for the funding of much needed repairs to our small craft harbour. This will go a long way to ensure safe harbour for both our commercial fishing fleet and recreational boats. We will be beginning this summer with phase one of the project."

Beverly Porter, Director, Winnipegosis Harbour Authority

Associated Links

Small Craft Harbours

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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