The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Jonathan Wilkinson, along with the Member of Parliament for Steveston-Richmond East, Joe Peschisolido, announced yesterday that the government invested over $33 million in 35 small craft harbors across British Columbia between 2016 and 2020.
The government is making significant investments through its Small Craft Harbors Program to work with municipalities to renew the network of small craft harbors, and to repair, maintain and build key harbors across the country.
According to Minister Wilkinson, “ The Government of Canada is making unprecedented investments to build communities in the 21st century. Today, we are announcing investments in 35 Small Craft Harbors in British Columbia.”
“ These investments are supporting coastal communities and the fishing industry—a key economic sector that helps support these communities across the country. Investments that help improve communities are a priority for Canadians. When the government invests in the community, Canadians and the Canadian economy benefit, ” added Minister Wilkinson.
Officials also said that the funding announced yesterday has and will continue to support 35 harbor projects throughout the province including float and wharf reconstructions, breakwater access development, electrical reconstruction, basin and maintenance dredging, divestitures, among other projects.
The announcement took place at Steveston Harbor, which received $6.8 million to replace two wharves, repair three large buildings, undertake dredging and install a drive-down floating wharf.
Through Budget 2018, the Government of Canada invested $250 million over two years to renew its network of small craft harbors and work with municipalities and other stakeholders to enhance local communities, economies and foster job creation.
This is in addition to $100 million that will be invested in 2018-19 for repairs, maintenance, construction, and dredging at core commercial fishing harbors across Canada.