Port of Cap-aux-Meules – Fishers’ Wharf
Location: Cap-aux-Meules
Issue/Source: Reconstruction of the fisher’s wharf / TRAN
Date: March 2024
Suggested Responses
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In August 2022, the Prime Minister confirmed the Government of Canada’s investment of approximately
$40 million to rebuild the fisher's wharf at the Port of Cap-aux-Meules.
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These investments demonstrate our commitment to the viability of the Port of Cap-aux-Meules, ensuring the safety of users and enabling operations to continue.
If Pressed
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In Spring 2021, following a detailed inspection, Transport Canada (TC) restricted access to certain sections of the fishers’ wharf to ensure the safety of the public and users. Various restrictive measures have been put in place to secure the site.
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In Spring 2022, Transport Canada (TC) installed a temporary wharf to make up for lost mooring space, which was put into service for the beginning of the crabbing season.
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Targeted repairs to the fisher’s wharf took place in summer 2023, and are now complete. This work reopened the areas closed to mooring, as well as those previously closed to traffic. As a result, users have regained the mooring spaces that were available prior to February 2021.
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The ban on heavy vehicles (semi-trailers and ten-wheelers) and cranes on the entire fisher’s wharf remains in force.
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Transport Canada (TC) will continue to carry out regular maintenance and annual inspections to ensure the sustainability of the wharf's infrastructure until it is rebuilt.
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On November 8, 2023, a request for proposals was released for the development of plans and specifications, as well as project supervision, in connection with the reconstruction of the fisher’s wharf.
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This contract, worth approximately $2.7 million, was recently awarded to the coentreprise Centre d’affaires Henri IV by Public Services and Procurement Canada following a public competitive process.
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This step marks concrete progress towards the realization of the fisher’s wharf’ reconstruction project. Designing the plans and specifications is a crucial step before launching the call for tenders to select the contractor who will carry out the reconstruction.
Background Information
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The port of Cap-aux-Meules in the Magdalen Islands is vital to the local economy of this remote community of 13,000 residents.
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The Transport Canada (TC) owned facility consists of a commercial wharf, a ferry terminal; and the Quai des Pêcheurs. The facility accommodates ferries, cruise ships, tankers, tugs, barges, mid-shore commercial fishing vessels, cargo ships etc.
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The fishers’ wharf is mainly home to mid-shore fishing vessels. Crabbing is a major economic driver for the Magdalen Islands and coastal communities along the St. Lawrence River.
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The preliminary schedule for the reconstruction of the fisher's wharf is as follows:
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Studies, plans, and design specifications are planned over two years, and construction over a minimum of three years.
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Construction is scheduled to start in 2025-2026, subject to confirmation.
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Since the announcement of the reconstruction project, important steps have been taken. Among other things, Transport Canada met with wharf users in winter and fall 2023 to inform them about the reconstruction project and to discuss their wharf operations and needs. A pre-conceptual study was also completed to define the project.