The federal government is investing in coastal communities, including Campbell River.
It’s to improve safety for mariners, support the local economy, and to protect marine life and fisheries.
This means a new building for the Canadian Coast Guard search and rescue station, upgrades and improvements to the Small Craft Harbour at the Fisherman’s Wharf, and the addition of long-range surveillance flights under the Fisheries Aerial Surveillance and Enforcement Program.
The new Coast Guard building is now operational and was funded under the Federal Infrastructure Initiative. The new station cost $1.55 million, part of the overall $45.9 million allocated to the Canadian Coast Guard to replace ageing infrastructure with greener and more efficient buildings.
The new floating building is made out of modular pre-fabricated aluminum with a standing seam metal roof and walls made out of steel skinned foam filled panels. The foam panels and aluminum frames are lighter than traditional timber frames, while still providing adequate strength and insulation.
The federal government says it is investing $2.25 million for multi-year improvements at the Fisherman’s Wharf. This is part of a $33 million investment in Small Craft Harbours across BC.
Improvements to the Fisherman’s Wharf will mean safe navigation for vessels and safe harbour operations to support commercial fisheries.
A total of 4, 000 cubic metres of material will be removed from the area as deep draft vessels have had restricted use of the area. The mooring floats will also be replaced as they have deteriorated due to vessel berthing and environmental factors.
Float reconstruction is now underway at the north and south harbours.
In a previous announcement, the federal government has said PAL Aerospace was awarded a five-year contract to enforce the long-range surveillance along the coast on behalf of the Coast Guard.
Preliminary work at the new base is nearly complete, with the full base scheduled to be completed by June next year.
Campbell River has one of the biggest fishing service hubs in the province.
