BAYFIELD, ONTARIO – Communities across Canada are supported by small craft harbours that provide the commercial fishing industry with safe and accessible facilities. The communities of Silver Water, Bayfield, Lion’s Head, Port Elgin, Dyer’s Bay, Howdenvale, Meaford, Big Bay (North Keppel), White Cloud Island and Pembroke are welcoming federal investments that will benefit their local harbour infrastructure.
“We have listened to the people of Bayfield and the other communities across Ontario where we are investing in their harbours to help local commercial fishing, recreation and tourism industries to support rural economic growth. We are investing in people, promoting growth and building stronger and safer communities. The work carried out will not only renew and maintain the infrastructure that is essential to the region, but also stimulate job opportunities and development that will benefit fishers, residents and visitors alike, all in support of our local communities,” said Sean Casey, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and member of parliament for Charlottetown, in making the funding announcement this past Tuesday.
With approximately 45,000 Canadians employed in the commercial fishing industry, the Government of Canada is making investments to renew its network of small craft harbours, said Mr. Casey. “We are doing so in partnership with municipalities and other key stakeholders where investments and divestitures will bolster rural economic growth for fishing and tourism hubs like these communities.”
Mr. Casey announced that the government of Canada is investing $8.3 million in harbour infrastructure in Ontario. This included a $90,000 rehabilitation of the wharf in Silver Water, which was completed by J.I. Enterprises in March of this year.
“Investments that support economic growth in rural communities are a priority for our government,” said the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. “When we invest in infrastructure to support rural fishing and tourism communities, Canadians and our economy benefit. Small craft harbour investments demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to local economies. We are proud of our investments to support recreational and commercial fishing—a key economic factor that helps support communities across the country.”
