The Nova Scotia government is investing $1 million to upgrade and enhance Spurr Wharf at the Port of Digby.

The province is partnering with the federal government and the Digby Port Authority on the project, which will create an alternate access point to the wharf, additional berthing capacity and will improve safety.

“The provincial government supports municipalities and the infrastructure that is important to them to ensure healthy, safe and vibrant communities,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “This investment in the Port of Digby will benefit many, including fishing and aquaculture fleets, service providers, the marine tourism sector and recreational boaters.”

The federal government is contributing $1.2 million and the Digby Port Authority is contributing $500,000 to the project, which is funded through the Rural Northern Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Quotes:

“Investments in public infrastructure are crucial to keeping our communities healthy, strong, and vibrant. Today’s investments in the Digby Wharf will ensure marine workers can benefit from a safer space for their jobs. Our government will continue to support projects like this across Canada, because we know that when our small communities thrive - we all benefit.”

– Andy Fillmore, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Halifax, on behalf of Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development

“With $85 million in seafood landing annually in Digby, the port is a critical piece of infrastructure. The project at the Digby Wharf will significantly increase the capacity of the facility with safe, efficient berthage and additional floating docks for the robust scallop, lobster and aquaculture fisheries based out of the port.”

– Linda Gregory, warden, Municipality of the District of Digby

“The Digby Harbour Port Association has seen steady increase in activity to the point that we are regularly operating beyond our design capacity. The cooperation and assistance from our stakeholders and government has made the planned improvements possible. We are constantly working on improvements to the facility and seeking to provide service to additional complementary sectors.”

– Vance Hazelton, chair, Board of Directors, Digby Harbour Port Association

Quick Facts:

Total project cost is $3 million

The Digby Port Authority is an intermunicipal entity owned by the Town of Digby and Municipality of Digby and is overseen by a board of directors

Additional Resources:

Federal infrastructure investments in Nova Scotia: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-ns-eng.html
Department of Municipal Affairs website: https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/municipal-affairs