TRAN March 21, 2024, Briefing on Infrastructure in Canada

27. Port of Cap-aux-Meules – Cale de halage

Port of Cap-aux-Meules – Cale de halage 

Location: Cap-aux-Meules 

Issue/Source: Cale de halage (slipway)/ TRAN 

Date:  March 2024 

Suggested Responses  

  • Transport Canada (TC) continues to collaborate with the Coopérative de transport maritime et aérien regarding the slipway. 

  • The Government of Canada is considering funding options for the slipway. 

  • Should the slipway reconstruction project be carried out in the next few years 

If Pressed  

  • Should the slipway reconstruction project be carried out in the next few years, it will need to be coordinated with the fishermen's wharf reconstruction project. 

Background Information  

  • The slipway is a facility owned by the Coopérative de transport maritime et aérien that borders the Cap-aux-Meules fishers’ wharf. The slipway is a structure that enables the use of a gantry crane that lifts vessels in and out of the water.  

  • In October 2022, the Prime Minister made a commitment that the Government of Canada would support the viability of the Port of Cap-aux-Meules by ensuring the safety of port users and facilitating operations. 

  • The Coopérative de transport maritime et aérien has owned the slipway since September 2020, and is responsible for the management, maintenance, and safety of the facility.  

  • The slipway is used primarily to lift fishing vessels in and out of the water, but it is also used for other types of vessels at the Port of Cap-aux-Meules.  

  • The capability to lift vessels in and out of the water at the slipway is made possible by a gantry crane belonging to the Regroupement des usagers du port de Cap-aux-Meules, the former owner of the slipway. 

  • The Regroupement des usagers du port de Cap-aux-Meules acquired a new 300-ton capacity gantry crane in 2018. Given that the slipway is owned by the Coopérative de transport maritime et aérien, it is their responsibility to ensure that it meets the necessary requirements for the 300-ton gantry crane.