Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
July 5, 2007

Aquaculture Industry on South Coast Gets Infrastructure Boost
from Federal and Provincial Governments

Thanks to an investment of more than $1 million by Canada�s New Government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), and just over $260,000 from the provincial Department of Innovation Trade and Rural Development (INTRD), the Harbour Authority of Pool�s Cove on the Connaigre Peninsula will expand and re-align the existing wharf to support the growing local aquaculture industry.

"Canada�s New Government is working with its partners to get things done for the people in rural Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador. "Our investment of over $1 million will greatly assist in the further development of the aquaculture industry in the area."

"Aquaculture is a growing industry that helps diversify our economy and create new jobs. In the last several provincial budgets the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has invested substantially in this industry," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "In addition to the aquaculture industry, the wharf at Pool's Cove is also used by fishers and the provincial ferry. As such, the increased level of aquaculture activity in Fortune Bay has resulted in extreme congestion on the wharf for all users. Adequate infrastructure is an important component of the industry. This project will alleviate some of the immediate pressures from the congestion on the Pool's Cove wharf."

The expansion of the aquaculture industry along the south coast of Newfoundland has created a need for new and upgraded infrastructure. The expansion and re-alignment will include a 100-ft extension to the existing wharf and the construction of a 60� X 20� storage shed. With the anticipated increased traffic volume at the wharf, the completed project will provide a safe, usable docking facility to help sustain the continued commitment of local industry by speeding up the off-loading and on-loading of product and materials.

In addition, the improved marine infrastructure will benefit the community�s marine freight and passenger service and its current fishing fleet.

This project is being funded by Canada�s New Government through an investment of $603,454 from ACOA�s Innovative Communities Fund, a fund that focuses on investments leading to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities. The DFO investment of $400,000 is from the Small Craft Harbours Division. The provincial Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development is investing $263,621 in the upgrade. The INTRD funds are through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund, which provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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Media contacts:

Julie Afonso
A/Director, Public Affairs
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

709-772-2984
Lynn Evans
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
lynnevans@gov.nl.ca

2007 07 05 10:30 a.m.

 


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