Cartwright marine infrastructure to be assessed

The Cartwright Community Council will assess two locations in the town to determine the best location for new marine transhipment and storage facilities. The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador are contributing $100,000 to the cost of conducting the study through the Comprehensive Labrador COOPERATION Agreement.

Today's announcement was made by Lawrence O'Brien, MP - Labrador, on behalf of Lawrence MacAulay, Secretary of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)(Veterans Affairs), and Ernest McLean, Minister Responsible for Labrador, on behalf of Judy Foote, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal.

The Marine Service Centre in Cartwright was built in 1981 to service the existing long liner fleet which consisted of mostly smaller vessels. In light of the increased marine traffic since 1981 and the growing interest in Cartwright as a transhipment point for Labrador forestry products, there is a pressing need to address the issue of increased docking and storage capacity in Cartwright.

"The forestry resources of Labrador offer great hope for the future development of our coastal communities," said Mr. O'Brien. "And it is no good to have the product without a way to get it to market. This site assessment will help determine the most suitable location for the appropriate infrastructure in terms of harbour depth, wharf frontage and storage capacity. Eventually we hope Cartwright will become a busy port for exporting Labrador products to international markets."

Expansion of timber harvesting activities on the southeast coast of Labrador is limited by inadequate loading wharf facilities. A minimum of 80 metres frontage is required for loading pulp wood, and stock piling space is needed for harvested timber awaiting shipment. Increased storage space is also necessary for the fishery. As a result, the demand for storage space would be year round as vessels are stored during the winter months and timber during the summer months.

"Cartwright is a community with a bright future," said Mr. McLean. "The forestry sector holds great promise for the residents of Cartwright and the fisheries activities along the coast have not suffered to the same degree as many parts of the province. In fact the crab fishery in the area is quite healthy, requiring more space for shipping and handling. The need for improved facilities is obvious and we are pleased to be able to help fulfill that need."

The Comprehensive Labrador COOPERATION Agreement is a 70:30 cost- shared agreement between the federal and provincial governments respectively. It is administered federally by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and provincially by the Department of Development and Rural Renewal.

• Contact:

  Paul Murphy
  COOPERATION Communications
  (709) 772-0219

  Susan Laite
  Director of Communications
  Department of Development and Rural Renewal
  (709) 729-4570