(File Photo)
New federal funding is expected to bring upgrades to small craft harbours across Nova Scotia, with a focus on improving safety and supporting the fishing industry.
The spring economic update includes nearly $958 million over five years for the Small Craft Harbours program, which supports infrastructure at fishing ports across the country.
Yarmouth MP Chris d’Entremont says the investment is long overdue.
MP Chris d’Entremont. (CPAC)
“It’s good to see further investment into these important pieces of infrastructure in our coastal communities here in southwest Nova Scotia,” he said.
He says many harbours in the region are in need of upgrades, particularly in communities like Cape Island, Woods Harbour, Pubnico and Briar Island.
The first phase of funding is expected to focus on bringing some of the most worn infrastructure back up to safety standards, with expansions potentially coming later.
D’Entremont says the program will be managed through the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, with harbour authorities working to prepare applications for funding.
He says there are roughly 950 small craft harbours across Canada, supporting tens of thousands of jobs tied to the fishing and seafood industry.
“Don’t forget, small craft harbours supports more than about 45,000 jobs across the country,” he said.
D’Entremont says the investment is critical to maintaining the economic strength of coastal communities, especially in southwest Nova Scotia where the fishery plays a major role.
He says the goal is to reinvest in infrastructure that supports an industry generating billions of dollars annually.
Initial project announcements are expected in the coming months, with some funding likely to begin flowing before the fall.
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