MP Pamela Goldsmith-Jones was in Gibsons April 17 to announce how some of the federal government’s ongoing investment of $33 million in British Columbia small craft harbours will be used by the Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority.
The government has put $2.3 million into Gibsons Harbour since 2015, which will include work to reconstruct of the existing harbour timber approach and wharfhead, which have suffered significant deterioration due to vehicle traffic and environmental factors, according to a Department of Fisheries and Oceans press release.
Planning started in 2018 and the work should be finished by spring 2020. The exact dollar amount will be disclosed once the tendering process is completed.
“The Board and the Staff of the Gibsons Landing Harbour Commission are delighted with this new investment in infrastructure maintenance for the harbour. We have been in discussions with Small Craft harbours for some time, leading to this major upgrade to our facilities,” said Harbour Authority chair Joseph Wright. “The reconstruction, particularly on the approach way to the dock, will ensure the safety of all who use the dock, and will enhance our ability to handle the diverse traffic using the wharf on a daily basis. We really appreciate the excellent partnership we have with Small Craft Harbours and look forward to a long and productive relationship.”
Goldsmith-Jones called the funding a major investment for the community. "Investing in the local small craft harbour helps the Sunshine Coast as a whole. The work carried out will not only renew and maintain the infrastructure that is essential to the region, but also stimulate job opportunities that will benefit fishermen and support our local communities."
