Whitby Harbour remediation project in full swing

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is working to improve the health of the Small Craft Harbour in Whitby, Ontario, by dredging to remove old sediment that picked up historical contaminants over time.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) recently developed a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) to guide the cleanup (remediation) of Whitby Harbour. The project was awarded to Kehoe Marine Construction Ltd. of Lansdowne Ontario.

The RAP aims to reduce potential risks to the health of people, fish, and wildlife, that are associated with long term exposure to the chemicals found in Whitby Harbour.

This will be achieved by removing contaminated sediment from the harbour, which will reduce harbour-wide dioxin and furan levels.

Project Timeline:

• Phase 1 work – weather permitting, dredging will continue until late March 2025.
• Phase 2 work – weather permitting, dredging will resume mid-July 2025 through to March 2026, with some restrictions during fall spawning period.
• Substantial project completion – temporary storage area and transfer dock removal by end of August 2026.