The Ontario government has announced a major investment exceeding $10 million to revitalize two crucial fisheries management facilities located in Wheatley and Port Dover.
Supporting Lake Erie's Fishing Industry
This significant funding, announced by Ontario's Minister of Natural Resources, Mike Harris, is designed to bolster both recreational and commercial fishing operations along Lake Erie. During the announcement in Wheatley, Minister Harris emphasized the sector's immense economic importance to Southwestern Ontario, highlighting that it generates millions of dollars annually and sustains thousands of local jobs.
"For almost 20 years, Lake Erie has contributed an impressive 82 per cent of the total fish harvested in our commercial fishery here in the Great Lakes of Ontario," Harris stated, underscoring the lake's pivotal role.
Modernizing Aging Infrastructure
The provincial investment will address the aging infrastructure of the fisheries management facilities, which date back to the mid-1960s. The planned upgrades are comprehensive and include replacing old infrastructure, expanding facility space, and integrating new technologies. These improvements are expected to significantly enhance operational efficiency and workplace safety.
The renovations will also provide increased equipment storage space and feature an upgraded laboratory for processing field-collected samples, which is vital for sustainable fisheries management.
Timeline and Broader Impact
The construction schedule is set to unfold over the next several years. Work is expected to begin within the next two years, with the Port Dover facility projected to open by 2027 and the Wheatley facility by 2029.
The project aims to create and sustain local jobs, increase regional food production, and help the industry remain competitive and resilient against economic pressures, including tariffs from the United States. Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, Trevor Jones, noted that these capital investments are crucial for protecting the province's food security and supporting the workers in this vital sector.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff celebrated the announcement, calling it an "exciting milestone" for the community of Wheatley, which he said is undergoing a remarkable transformation fueled by local passion and strong provincial support.
