Mission will receive the majority portion of $450,000 of federal funding allocated for improvement projects at the small craft harbours in Mission and Kanaka Landing.
Randy Kamp, MP for Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission, made the announcement Friday afternoon at the Mission harbour.
The investment will support the reconstruction of the electrical systems at both harbours as well as the installation of a concrete breakwater float in Mission.
"Without question, small craft harbours are the cornerstone of the commercial fishing industry," said Kamp.
“Fishing is an important way of life for many residents of Mission and Maple Ridge. Our government is committed to supporting infrastructure that our dedicated fishermen rely upon in order to provide for their families. We will continue to provide a safe working environment for the people of B.C.,” he added.
While he would not give exact figures, Kamp did say that the Mission harbour would receive the majority of the $450,000 in funding, because there were two separate upgrade projects taking place, compared to one at Kanaka Landing.
"With the completion of these projects, harbour users will be provided with safe and efficient operating conditions."
Alec Finnsson, chair of the Mission Harbour Authority was on hand for the announcement and said his group is "thrilled" about the improvements that the government will help fund.
"The installation of the new concrete float will allow the Mission Harbour Authority to complete the replacement of an aged structure, and the electrical upgrades will benefit all of the fishermen and boaters who use our harbour,” he explained.
He told the small crowd that the harbour has a long history and currently provides a home port to a new generation of commercial fishers.
“We will not let the Mission harbour become merely a memory. We will continue our efforts to maintain and improve the Mission harbour and the Fraser River interpretive Centre, with the help of all,” added Finnsson.
Work is expected to begin in the summer.
Quick facts:
- In addition to providing moorage for fishers who are mainly involved in commercial salmon fisheries, the harbours of Mission and Kanaka Landing also serve charter fishing and recreational fishing vessels.
- The Government of Canada supports more than 1000 small craft harbours across Canada. Harbour improvement projects are undertaken in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.
- Small craft harbours support the commercial fishing industry. Nearly 90 per cent of all commercial fish harvesters in Canada use small craft harbour facilities, and their annual production represents approximately $1.6 billion.