CARIBOU, NS, June 21, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, and the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for Egmont, today announced an investment totaling close to $13 million in the Wood Islands, P.E.I. - Caribou, N.S. ferry service.
"Our government understands the importance of ferry services to the local communities throughout Atlantic Canada," said Minister MacKay. "Ferries support trade and tourism and connect people and business throughout the region and today's investment will ensure that residents and visitors will continue to benefit from the safe and reliable operation of this ferry service."
"Canada needs safe and efficient transportation in all regions and this service helps us to support growth and create jobs and prosperity, both here and across Canada," said Minister Shea. "Since 2006, our government has made significant investments in this ferry service and we remain committed to working with the provinces and local communities to develop a long-term approach for these services."
The main engines on the MV Holiday Island will be replaced to improve efficiency of the vessel and to reduce the risk of unexpected mechanical failures. As well, improvements are being made to shore-based infrastructure including the rehabilitation of the East and West Breakwater and berths for the MV Confederation and the MV Holiday Island in Wood Islands, P.E.I., and the rehabilitation of both ferry berths in Caribou, N.S.
The Government of Canada supports three inter-provincial ferry services in Eastern Canada:
- Wood Islands, P.E.I. and Caribou, N.S.
- Iles de la Madeleine, QC and Souris, P.E.I.
- Saint John, N.B. and Digby, N.S.
In support of these ferry services, the Government of Canada owns four vessels and six ferry terminals, which are leased to private operators. Since 2006, the Government of Canada has invested approximately $200 million in operating and capital funding for these ferry services.
Canada's Economic Action Plan provides new opportunities for growth, job creation and long-term prosperity. Thanks to the Government of Canada's leadership and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other industrialized countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than one million net new jobs created since July 2009.
For more information about the projects, please see the attached backgrounder.
Backgrounder
The Government of Canada is investing close to $13 million for improvements to the Wood Islands, P.E.I. - Caribou, N.S. ferry service.
Main Engines Replacement for MV Holiday Island - The main engines on the MV Holiday Island are original to the ferry which was built in 1971, and are approaching the end of their expected useful life. As a result, both main engines will be replaced in order to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, reduce the costs of repairs and maintenance, and maintain the reliability of MV Holiday Island. The project is expected to be complete in March 2014.
East and West Breakwater Rehabilitation, Wood Islands, P.E.I. - As part of the regular life-cycle of the breakwater, repair and maintenance work will be done to ensure that the waters are calm enough to allow for vessels to dock safely and to reduce shore erosion, as the breakwater is used to reduce the intensity of the waves. Work on the breakwaters involves the removal of the existing concrete deck, patching of any holes found in the wall by welding on steel plates and the re-establishment of the backfill in required areas. The rehabilitation work began in October 2012 and is expected to be completed by March 2014.
Berth Rehabilitation Projects - As part of the regular life-cycle of the berths at both Wood Islands, P.E.I. and Caribou, N.S., repair and maintenance work will be done to ensure the structural integrity and longevity of the structures are maintained in order to sustain safe ferry vessel operations. It is essential to correct and prevent deterioration of the various components of the berths so as to be able to safely load and unload passengers and vehicles.
- MV Confederation Berth Rehabilitation, Wood Islands, P.E.I. - Rehabilitation of the MV Confederation ferry berth includes repairs to the corroded areas and splits in the steel sheet piling at the mouth of the berth by installing steel patches where required and the installation of "propeller-wash" protection at the mouth of the berth. This will be achieved by the installation of a steel structure embedded in concrete on the seabed. The rehabilitation work began in November 2012 and is expected to be completed by March 2014.
- MV Holiday Island Berth Rehabilitation, Wood Islands, P.E.I. - Rehabilitation of the MV Holiday Island ferry berth wall and mouth includes repairs to the steel sheet piling and installing a concrete curtain to protect the steel repairs and restore structural stiffness to the wall. The supporting piles under several of the concrete fenders will be repaired or replaced and the berthing structure also requires repair to the associated concrete cope wall and fender. The rehabilitation work began in November 2012 and is expected to be completed by March 2014.
- Ferry Berth Rehabilitation, Caribou, N.S. - The project for both ferry berths includes the undermining repairs to the concrete portion of the wharf, installation of erosion control pads and the installation of a section of new piling. The rehabilitation work began in November 2012 and is expected to be completed by August 2013.
SOURCE: Transport Canada
Marie-Josée Paquette
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
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