The Canadian government will invest CAD 32 million (USD 23 million, EUR 22 million) in small craft harbors along the coast of British Columbia over the next three years.
“Small craft harbors are the backbone of our vibrant fishing communities, including here in British Columbia,” Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard Diane Lebouthillier said in a statement. “As the nation with the longest coastline in the world, we must invest in resilient harbor infrastructure capable of facing the climate challenges of today and tomorrow. This is not only a question of economic development, but also of food security.”
The funding will enable critical infrastructure improvements across 18 harbors in the Pacific region, with work slated to begin before the end of the year. CAD 11 million (USD 8 million, EUR 7 million) of the money will help complete minor health and safety projects at some harbors, according to the government.
“Small craft harbors are vital economic drivers on the West Coast, especially in communities like ours, where fishing and tourism are woven into the fabric of daily life,” Member of Parliament for West Vancouver Patrick Weiler said in a statement. “This funding will strengthen these hubs, supporting families and preserving our local way of life through modernized, safer, and more sustainable infrastructure.”
The money is part of CAD 463 million (USD 331 million, EUR 313 million) the Canadian government has allotted to small craft harbor repair and maintenance as part of the government's 2024 budget. The funding is in addition to the government’s annual spending of CAD 90 million (USD 64 million, EUR 61 million) on small craft harbors.
“We're giving ourselves the means to achieve our ambitions by equipping our harvesters with modern harbors where their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will carry on our finest maritime traditions,” Lebouthillier said.
Earlier this year, the Canadian government announced CAD 225 million (USD 163 million, EUR 150 million) in investments in small craft harbors on the country’s Atlantic coast.
