Government of Canada delivers marine safety infrastructure to Nunavut through the Oceans Protection Plan

OTTAWA, Dec. 7, 2018 /CNW/ - Protecting the marine environment and all users of Canada's oceans and waterways is of paramount importance. That is why the Government of Canada, under the Oceans Protection Plan, is taking action to make Arctic resupply operations faster, safer, and more efficient for remote communities.

Transport Canada is assisting the Government of Nunavut to deliver marine safety infrastructure across the territory by providing funding to two projects. Transport Canada will contribute:

• $2,545,200 to help construct two 70-tonne mooring bollards for safer refuelling operations in each of five Nunavut communities. Fuel in Nunavut is delivered by tanker and is discharged through floating hoses to fixed manifolds connected to the community's tank farm. To safely undertake this type of operation, it is imperative to have multiple secure mooring points, including shoreline bollards.
• $2,185,000 to undertake a comprehensive community scoping study. Through community consultations, formal options development, physical site assessments, and selection of priority projects based on identified needs, this study will directly inform the practical implementation of essential marine infrastructure projects across Nunavut.

These investments are part of the $94.3 million Safety Equipment and Basic Marine Infrastructure in Northern Communities initiative under the Oceans Protection Plan. The initiative helps Northerners protect their communities and livelihoods with a marine safety system that is better positioned to prevent and respond to marine safety and pollution incidents.

The $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan is the largest investment ever made to protect Canada's coasts and waterways. Through this plan, the Government of Canada is creating a world-leading marine safety system that provides economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting our coasts and waterways for generations to come. This work is being done in close collaboration with Inuit and Indigenous peoples, local stakeholders and northern communities. 

Quotes

"Northern communities rely on marine resupply operations to receive up to 95% of their goods. The Government of Canada is protecting the health of our Arctic coast and water, and enhancing the safety and security of these resupply operations. Through our Government's Oceans Protection Plan, we are working with local communities, Inuit and Indigenous peoples to provide critical jobs while protecting Canada's Arctic coast and water for future generations."

The Honourable Marc Garneau
Canada's Minister of Transport

"Funding under the Oceans Protection Plan for the community scoping study will allow us to identify critical marine infrastructure needs in our communities and will guide future investments. The commitment to fund construction of mooring bollards for resupply ships will ensure refueling operations are conducted to high standards of safety. The Department of Economic Development and Transportation is excited to partner with Transport Canada on these important projects, which will build a secure foundation for marine transportation in Nunavut."

The Honourable David Akeeagok
Minister of Economic Development and Transportation, Government of Nunavut

Quick Facts

• Transport Canada is providing funding to help the Government of Nunavut construct mooring bollards in five of its communities. Each community will receive two 70-tonne mooring bollards. They are Arviat, Gjoa Haven, Pangnirtung, Sanikiluaq, and Taloyoak.
• Potential projects that could develop from the comprehensive community scoping study include creation or expansion of breakwaters, dedicated laydown areas, ramps, secure fencing and lighting, dedicated small?craft launching and unloading zones, and road access.

Associated Links

• Protecting our Coasts - Oceans Protection Plan
• Safety Equipment and Basic Marine Infrastructure for Northern Communities initiative

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SOURCE Transport Canada