Canada Announces Harbor Investments

The Harper Government invests in Mamainse and Kinoosao Harbors

Bryan Hayes, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Honorable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada is investing in a harbor improvement project at Mamainse Harbor. The project consists of the refurbishment of the north breakwater. This work is planned to start in the late fall.

Funding for this project is part of the Government of Canada’s investment of approximately $106 million in repair, construction, maintenance and dredging projects at small craft harbors across Canada. This includes $66 million in regular program funding and an additional $40 million over two years, as announced in Economic Action Plan 2014.

“Our Government is pleased to invest in Ontario harbors to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the commercial fishing industry and support local economies where harbors are located,” said Bryan Hayes, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie.

The Mamainse Harbor is homeport to seven commercial fishing vessels, and is the only harbor of refuge between Sault Ste. Marie and Michipicoten. Other Ontario Small Craft Harbors projects will be announced at a later date. Under Economic Action Plan 2014, $40 million in additional funding is being provided over two years for repair, construction and maintenance projects at Canada’s small craft harbors.

Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé–Missinippi–Churchill River, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada is investing in a harbor improvement project at Kinoosao Harbor. The project at Kinoosao, consisting of refurbishment of the wharf to increase its height, will address the problems of submersion of the structure due to high water levels. The project is expected to be completed by March 2015.

Funding for this project is part of the Government of Canada’s investment of approximately  $106 million in repair, construction, maintenance and dredging projects at small craft harbors across Canada. This includes $66 million in regular program funding in 2014-2015 and an additional $40 million over two years, as announced in Economic Action Plan 2014.

“Our Government is pleased to invest in harbor infrastructure in Saskatchewan to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of the commercial fishing industry and support communities where it is located,” said Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé–Missinippi–Churchill River.

Kinoosao is an active fishing community where fish landings are in excess of 390,000 kilograms a year. The Kinoosao small craft harbor is a commercial fishing facility located in north eastern Saskatchewan, and the harbor and facilities have been managed by the Kinoosao Harbor Authority since 2001.

The Small Craft Harbors Program is responsible for more than 1,000 small craft harbors across Canada. Small craft harbors support nearly 90% of all commercial fish landings in Canada. Fisheries and Oceans Canada undertakes harbor improvement projects in cooperation with the local harbor authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.