Innovative Solution to Fishing Industry, Guysborough County

Canso's inshore fishery will receive a major boost to revitalize waterfront infrastructure and support the inshore fishery.

Waterfront properties formerly by the off-shore fleet will be transferred to Small Craft Harbours so the site can to be transformed into a modern in-shore fishing port.

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, announced today, May 5, 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.

The waterfront rehabilitation project, managed by Small Craft Harbours, will improve commercial fisheries port operations with enhanced vessel and gear loading, more space for fish-buying stations, enhanced Harbour Authority offices, information signs, washrooms and laundry facilities for commercial fishers and marine tourists.

"This investment will strengthen the commercial fishery, a major industry in the Canso economy, and enhance the positioning of marine tourism potential," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Economic Development. "This project will be successful because of the commitment from all three levels of government and the belief of this community in themselves and in what they can accomplish."

The in-shore fishery has been part of the socio-economic fabric of Canso and eastern Guysborough for generations. The investment will help maintain community and resident pride and sustainable prosperity for the Town of Canso and eastern Guysborough.