Lark Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador - Small craft harbours are the heart of many coastal communities, bringing people together in work and play, while supporting jobs in the fish and seafood industry for over 45,000 Canadians. As part of Budget 2024, $463.3 million over three years will be invested for the repair and maintenance of small craft harbours, including those damaged by Hurricane Fiona, starting in 2024-25. This is on top of the Department's annual budget of $90 million for these harbours.
As part of the Government of Canada's commitment to growing the economy to help everyone get ahead, today the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced an investment of more than $101 million investment over three years to continue important work at 26 harbours in Newfoundland and Labrador.
This investment will be used to reconstruct and repair wharfs, launchways and other critical harbour infrastructure. More than $53 million of this overall investment in Newfoundland and Labrador will also be used to reconstruct and repair piers, breakwater and other critical harbour infrastructure at 10 harbours that sustained serious damage from Hurricane Fiona. Lark Harbour is one such harbour that will be receiving a new wharf and building, in addition to dredging.
The fishing industry is central to many coastal communities across Canada, and harvesters need small craft harbours to be safe and reliable. With climate change causing more extreme weather events, it is critical to invest in infrastructure that is more resilient, and above all else, safe for harbour users. These investments support local economic development for generations to come, providing functional harbours for Canadians working in the fisheries, aquaculture, construction, and marine engineering sectors.
Ministers Hutchings and Lebouthillier also announced today the awarding of a $13.2 million contract to upgrade the Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue Station in Lark Harbour. Constructed in 2004, the station provides a vital service to the Western Newfoundland region. As the Canadian Coast Guard welcomes larger, more capable lifeboats into its fleet of the future, this contract will provide essential upgrades including a new pier wharf for docking and enhanced vessel protection; two floating docks to accommodate new larger lifeboats; and, upgraded fuel storage, power, and lighting.
