The federal government called it the largest investment in small craft harbours ever made in Canada.
It’s called the Small Craft Harbours Program and it means almost $958 million over five years, providing investments for ongoing repairs.
New Brunswick Liberal MP Wayne Long was in Grand Manan to speak about the program.
Long said the government is committed to repairing and maintaining small craft harbours, ensuring they continue to sustain the livelihoods in coastal communities.
“We are committed to repairing and maintaining small craft harbours across the country to ensure they continue to sustain coastal livelihoods,” Long said.
Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson said the funding will help those areas maintain strong economies.
“Harvesters depend on them,” Thompson said about small craft harbours. “And the communities around them depend on the harbours.”
The funding will allow the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to do repairs, upgrades and dredging at small craft harbours across the country.
According to a release, the repairs will be done using the latest climate projections, resulting in climate-resistant infrastructure to meet the needs of the commercial fishing industry as well as communities served by small craft harbours.
In Grand Manan, two facilities stand to benefit from the program.
The Ingalls Head project consists of advanced planning and reconstruction of wharf structure 401.
Ingalls Head Harbour is home to 53 commercial vessels and focuses mainly on lobster.
In North Head, the project will allow for planning and reconstruction of one wharf, as well as design and planning for replacement of three other wharves.
North Head hosts 121 commercial vessels and also focuses mainly on lobster.
