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Small craft harbours in southwest Nova Scotia are receiving $22 million in federal funding for marine infrastructure upgrades.
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Bernadette Jordan made the announcement at the Wedgeport Tuna Museum this morning.
Jordan spoke with reporters about the importance of small craft harbours at the museum after the announcement.
“Small craft harbours are critical pieces of infrastructure for our fishing sector,” says Jordan. “We know how important it is to make sure that it’s safe, it’s reliable and built to withstand climate change. This is one of the challenges we are seeing in a number of places right across the country.”
Structural replacements, additional berthage, rebuilding breakwaters, dredging and wharf replacements will take place at a number of harbours in the area.
Harbours in Centreville, Dennis Point, Lower West Pubnico, Hampton, Meteghan and Parker’s Cove are among those slated for upgrades.
Jordan says the improvements will help make harbours greener, safer and more efficient.
“With the storm surges we’re seeing, they’re being impacted negatively. We need to make sure that we’re building the right infrastructure for the conditions that we’re in now,” says Jordan. “Many of these small craft harbours had been built 50 to 60 years ago and have not had upgrades to them. Many of them have really seen some challenging times with storms.”
Jordan says she knows there is more to do and this work will be a starting point.
Watch the full announcement below.
