Question Period Note: North Head Small Craft Harbours Project

North Head Small Craft Harbours Project

With annual landings worth approximately $100 million, the fishing industry is very important to the economy of Grand Manan.

The work taking place at North Head Harbour will allow more space for harvesters at the harbour, which has been a priority of industry for a number of years.

The improvements being made at North Head Harbour will benefit the industry and the community.

Working with the community
Officials are working with the local Harbour Authority and other stakeholders, and will continue to do so throughout the project.

• The work being carried out at North Head involves the construction of new marginal wharf and dredging the west side basin of the harbour to provide additional offloading capacity.
• Work is being carried out in close consultation with the Grand Manan Harbour Authority.
• North Head harbour has average annual landings of more than $25 million.
• Adjacent land and business owners have expressed concern with the impact the construction activities may have on the community, particularly with respect to tourism operations.
• PSPC and DFO have had extensive discussions with stakeholders and community members to address concerns, and to ensure every effort is made to minimize the effects of the projects.
• For instance, contractors retained to perform the work must meet a number of requirements. These include but are not limited to providing measures to mitigate risks, noise, dust, odor, vibration, ensuring minimal environmental impacts, and safeguarding the health and safety of all involved. Also, the construction schedule has taken into account fishing seasons, environmental permits, local by-laws, requirement from the Harbour Authority, stakeholder concerns, and other potential impacts.

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