Government of Canada transfers three public port facilities to Strathcona Regional District

CAMPBELL RIVER, BC, Nov. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo—Alberni, announced the transfer of ownership of three public port facilities to the Strathcona Regional District. The port facilities include Owen Bay on Sonora Island, Port Neville on Johnstone Strait, and Surge Narrows on Read Island.

Under the transfer agreement, the Strathcona Regional District will receive a contribution of $2,894,500 to cover operational costs and maintain the infrastructure for all three port facilities. The agreement is subject to continuing operations of the facilities as public ports for a three-year period.

Quick Facts

• Since 1996, Transport Canada has divested over 490 ports under the Port Divestiture Program. The program transfers ownership and operation of TC-owned ports to local interests who are better positioned to operate the ports in an efficient manner that is responsive to local needs.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring our ports are managed in the best interests of the local community. With this transfer, the Strathcona Regional District will be able to manage the port facilities at Owen Bay, Port Neville, and Surge Narrows by working directly with the residents in these coastal communities."
Dr. James Lunney
Member of Parliament for Nanaimo — Alberni

"These wharf facilities are of the utmost importance to coastal communities and the region as a whole. Our acceptance of these sites will ensure the continued availability of critical access points for outer islanders and recreational opportunities for local residents and the boating public."
Jim Abram
Regional District Board Chair and Electoral Area Director for Discovery Islands-Mainland Inlets

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SOURCE: Transport Canada

Ashley Kelahear, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055