Canada’s New Government will provide $1.1 million in funding for major improvement projects at two fishing harbours in southern Nova Scotia. Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore - St. Margaret’s, made the announcement last week on behalf of the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.
"South Shore Nova Scotia harbours are having a very busy season," said Mr. Keddy. "Our government recognises the importance of these harbours to the people and economy of Nova Scotia. That is the reason for the major federal investment this year in improvements to the facilities so necessary to our fishers."
Lockeport harbour will be the site of a project to bring the South Wharf back to good, safe operating condition. Over time, the concrete jackets protecting the piles that support the wharf have weakened. The jackets will be repaired or replaced as necessary, increasing the useful life of the wharf structure. Additional work at Lockeport involves repair and replacement of the fendering piles to protect the wharf and make berthage safer and more efficient. Work is scheduled to begin in January.
Work at Port La Tour will involve construction of a new marginal wharf and a new electrical system. The new wharf will be approximately 55 metres in length and will border the existing service area. When complete, the new marginal wharf will reduce congestion significantly and permit quicker and safer offloading of fish from vessels. It will also be a welcome improvement to the harbour’s berthage capacity. Other activity at Port La Tour involves work on the floating wavebreaks, damaged by storms, which will be repaired or replaced, as needed.
The announcement brings the total investment for Small Craft Harbours in Nova Scotia this year to $17.4 million.
