Government of Canada Invests in New Wharf at Wheatley’s Commercial Fishing Harbour

April 23, 2010

WHEATLEY, ONTARIO – Dave Van Kesteren, Member of Parliament for Chatham-Kent- Essex, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the federal government will invest $300,000 in the construction of a new wharf, to be located in the south basin of the commercial fishing harbour at Wheatley. 

“This funding demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to maintaining a network of safe harbour facilities for the commercial fishing industry,” said Mr. Van Kesteren. “By funding harbour repairs and improvements, we are creating jobs and investing in Wheatley’s future.”

The harbour facility at Wheatley consists of a 60 berth, full-service commercial fishing centre situated at the outlet of Muddy Creek on the north shore of Lake Erie. The construction of the new 30-metre wharf will allow additional vessels to moor at the harbour. The work, which will be completed this spring, consists of a new concrete deck on steel piles.

This project is being undertaken by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Small Craft Harbours Program. This funding is part of the Government of Canada’s $80 million in regular funding for the Small Craft Harbours Program this year, which is in addition to the $200 million over two years provided for small craft harbours under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.