Transfer of Pointe-au-Pic and Cap-à-l'Aigle wharves: promoting growth in the local economy

LA MALBAIE, QC, May 24, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, visited La Malbaie today to officially announce the transfer of the Pointe-au-Pic and Cap-à-l'Aigle wharves to the Société de gestion des infrastructures de transport de Charlevoix (SOGIT).

"I am delighted that the transfer of the Pointe-au-Pic and Cap-à-l'Aigle port facilities to the Société de gestion des infrastructures de transport de Charlevoix has put control of the ports directly into the hands of the community," said Minister Lebel. "This important transfer will support a prosperous local economy and will contribute to job creation and tourism development opportunities that will benefit local businesses, port users and the entire region."

In addition to the transfer of ownership, a lump-sum contribution of $8,925,000 was provided to the Société de gestion des infrastructures de transport de Charlevoix at the time of the transfer. This funding will be used, in particular, to carry out major repairs to the Pointe-au-Pic Wharf landing berth, which will enable a resumption of tourism activities, and to partially demolish the Cap-à-l'Aigle Wharf, which has been barricaded for several years.

"This transfer will save taxpayers' money and allow the port to respond more effectively to local and regional needs," added Minister Lebel.

The Pointe-au-Pic and Cap-à-l'Aigle port facilities are used primarily for tourism activities and for the shipping and receiving of pulp and paper that are loaded onto and off ships at the Pointe-au-Pic Wharf.

The Port Divestiture Program aims to transfer ownership and operation of Transport Canada-owned ports to other federal departments, provincial/territorial governments or local interests, including municipalities, which are better positioned to operate these ports in a manner that is more efficient and responsive to the local economy.

 

Geneviève Sicard
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure
and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700

Kim Hogan Director,
Communications and
Marketing
Transport Canada, Quebec region
514-633-2714