BLANC SABLON WHARF to be rebuilt
OTTAWA, Ont. A $11,175, 516. contract has been awarded to EBC Inc. of Quebec for the reconstruction of the Blanc Sablon wharf.

"This major investment in Blanc Sablon further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to support remote communities, whose transportation infrastructures are of utmost importance for the safe and efficient transportation of people and goods," said Transport Minister David Collenette, who made the announcement.

The Blanc Sablon wharf reconstruction project includes building a new berth made of steel sheet piling for the ferry and supply vessel; rebuilding the east and southeast parts of the wharf out of steel sheet piling; constructing a rock embankment on the southwest side; rebuilding the boarding ramp; dredging the approach to the ramp, and building a parking lot. Works are scheduled to start in September 2003 and end in the summer of 2005.

“This major improvement means that this region can benefit from the economic activities related to the reconstruction project as well as from the renewed transportation facilities that will serve this community well for many years to come”, added Mr. Collenette.

The Blanc Sablon port facility is used primarily to supply the local population on a weekly basis, to receive and send general goods and seafood products and to provide daily ferry service from Blanc Sablon to Sainte Barbe, Newfoundland.

According to the National Marine Policy, the Blanc Sablon wharf is classified as a remote port. It is owned and operated by Transport Canada.

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2003 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.