Boost for Guysborough County Fishing Industry

Waterfront properties are to be transferred to Small Craft Harbours so the site can be transformed into a modern in-shore fishing port.

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, has announced that Nova Scotia will invest $800,000, provided through the Community Development Trust. The trust was established to help communities and workers hard hit by economic challenges.

"The Town of Canso is committed to their community. They were willing to fight to keep the fishing industry alive in Guysborough County and this investment says we believe in what they can accomplish," said Ron Chisholm, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

"This project will facilitate immediate work on upgrading the local infrastructure and support the commercial in-shore fishery and, in so doing, strengthen a major industry in this rural community."

The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans will make major financial investments over the next few years toward the revitalization project. The provincial investment will complement the federal contribution of $592,000, which Small Craft Harbours will invest in harbour infrastructure this year. The federal-provincial co-operation on the project will cut 18 months off the completion date, originally , completion was estimated for 2012-13.

The investment will help with waterfront infrastructure improvements to strengthen the industry, including a seafood depot with a facility for ice, bait, and cold storage needs for the in-shore fishery. Officials envision a working waterfront that will cater to the needs of the commercial fishery and travelling marine public.