Low tide at the harbour.
Adobe Stock
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton–Canso, Mike Kelloway, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, has announced a $74-million investment over three years to restore 19 harbours in Nova Scotia.
Also, the Government of Canada confirmed it will invest $463.3 million over three years to repair and maintain small craft harbours, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona, starting in 2024-25. This is on top of the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)’s annual budget of $90 million for these harbours.
Specifically, this money will be used to reconstruct and repair wharves, launchways, and other critical harbour infrastructure - for example, a marginal wharf in Glace Bay in 2026.
"Glace Bay Harbour is at the heart of our community. Harbours like ours provide jobs and recreation for countless people, and a strong fishing industry means a strong Cape Breton–Canso," confirmed Kelloway.
Furthermore, five harbours damaged by Hurricane Fiona: Cape John, Ingonish (Macleods Point), Judique (Baxters Cove), Little Judique Ponds, and New Waterford will receive more than $11.3 million.
Additionally, the Government confirmed an investment of more than $101 million for the same purpose at 26 harbours in Newfoundland and Labrador. This overall investment will be dedicated to reconstructing and repairing piers, breakwater and other critical harbour infrastructure.
"Small Craft Harbours are essential infrastructure for Canada’s Coastal communities. New Waterford, Ingonish and Bay St. Lawrence harbours are economic drivers in Sydney—Victoria that will receive renewed attention with this funding. I am proud to be a part of a government that recognizes the value of investing in the future," Jaime Battiste, Member of Parliament for Sydney—Victoria said.