It might be clear sailing soon for ships navigating through Steveston and Ladner thanks to new funding to dredge local channels in the Fraser River.
On Monday, several dozen people packed inside the chilly Gulf of Georgia Cannery, where representatives from Port Metro Vancouver, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, B.C.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Corporation of Delta and the City of Richmond spoke about the joint project that will see $10 million put towards maintenance dredging for up to the next 10 years.
Kerry-Lynne Findlay, MP for Delta-Richmond East, called the cooperation between the different levels of government "unprecedented."
"It allows us to continue to provide a system of harbours and facilities across Canada that support the Canadian economy," said Findlay, who added this project was her main focus after getting elected in May of 2011.
Richmond Mayor Malcom Brodie talked about the historical and ongoing importance of the Steveston Channel to the local economy and the 1,200 fishing boats that still call the area home.
"Tourism and other businesses rely on that river for navigation, and these activities require navigable waterways to survive," said Brodie. "In recent years, sedimentary infilling of the Steveston Channel has presented growing challenges and harbour access has been threatened as many of the vessels have been grounded."
Delta Mayor Lois Jackson said it has been hard to watch floating homes in the Ladner Harbour left high and dry in the mud during the last 20 years due to sediment build-up. She agreed with Findlay that it is a "real feat" to work together to finally put a plan in motion.
? Findlay was also part of a federal announcement Tuesday of $250,000 to help restore and rehabilitate the Seine Net Loft, an historical building at the Britannia Heritage Shipyard National Historic Site. Project activities will include roof and exterior repair, electrical and seismic upgrades as well as the installation of life-safety equipment (exits and emergency lighting) and a sprinkler system.
"The restoration and rehabilitation of the Seine Net Loft is an important step in fulfilling our vision for the Britannia Heritage Shipyard to become a major destination for cultural and historical tourism," said Brodie in a news release. "Britannia is a unique and unparalleled heritage area, which has been designated as a National Historic Site."
