CAP-AUX-MEULES - RESTRICTION AT THE FISCHER’S WHARF
LOCATION: CAP-AUX-MEULES (MAGDELEN ISLANDS, QUEBEC)
Issue/Source: RESTRICTION AT THE FISCHER’S WHARF
Date: March 17, 2021
Suggested ResponseS
- Transport Canada conducts regular maintenance work and annual inspections to maintain and extend the life of the Department's infrastructure, and to ensure the safety of the operations and the public.
- Following the results of a detailed, external inspection conducted in fall 2020, Transport Canada is restricting access to sections of the fishers’ wharf to protect their safety . Various measures have been implemented to secure the site and will remain in place until further notice.
- Transport Canada understands the importance of the port to the social and economic well-being of the Magdalen Islands, and is working with all stakeholders to explore solutions to minimize the impact for the coming fishing season, as well as in the future.
IF PRESSED
- User restrictions include:
- the relocation of certain tenant facilities and equipment;
- a reduction in the number of available berths;
- the prohibition of vehicle access in certain sectors;
- the prohibition of truck on the wharf.
- A security guard has been hired to increase public awareness
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
- Restrictions affect only a portion of the facility
- Seven sectors on the surface of the wharf are closed to traffic, which represents approximately 23% of the surface area.
- Three areas are closed to mooring, which represents approximately 12% of mooring surface.
- As expected, these user restrictions will have an impact on fishing operations in the community. La Renaissance des Îles de la Madeleine and Fruits de Mer Madeleine, two important stakeholders, have notified TC that it would be difficult for them to conform to new requirements before the upcoming fishing season starting in April.
- CTMA and the fishermen have asked TC to provide them with the inspection report.
- TC is working with stakeholders to mitigate the impacts, to the extent possible, while adhering to its mandate of safety and security.Departmental officials have initiated discussions with impacted users in order to facilitate next steps and the transition. In addition, discussions have been initiated with the CTMA and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to explore potential solutions.
- These restrictions do not impact the marine travel lift wharf structure owned by CTMA or the launching ramp for small boats operated and maintained by the Club nautique de Cap-aux-Meules.