If you live near the coast or rely on the maritime economy, you know how vital reliable infrastructure is for local fishers. The federal government is stepping in to help cover construction costs for small craft harbours in northern New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. This initiative is part of a massive $1 billion national project to improve safety and climate resilience.

Image source: Jonathan MacInnis / CTV News Atlantic

Upgrades Coming to Pointe Verte

According to a report from CTV News, Ottawa committed nearly $1 billion over five years to repair and modernize small craft harbours across the country. The Pointe Verte harbour in New Brunswick is a key beneficiary. This harbour supports roughly 16 commercial fishing vessels and their crews. It brought in more than $2.7 million in commercial fishery landings in 2024.

The planned upgrades for Pointe Verte include rock over on four wharf structures, new floating docks, and a complete reconstruction of the existing slipway. Advanced planning for this construction begins in 2027.

Serge Cormier, MP for Acadie Bathurst, highlighted the importance of the project. “Small craft harbours are the backbone of coastal communities,” Cormier said in a government release. “Harvesters need infrastructure they can rely on, and the work that will be done here at Pointe Verte harbour, as well as other neighbouring harbours, will give the local fleet a safer, more reliable place to tie up their vessels and land their catches.”

Major Investments in Miminegash

The Miminegash harbour on the western shore of PEI will also see significant improvements. This busy harbour houses about 41 commercial fishing vessels. The local commercial lobster fishery is highly lucrative and brought in more than $10 million in 2025.

To protect this economic hub, the government will reconstruct two southern breakwater structures. Crews will also build a new shoreline protection structure and a wharf to ensure the harbour remains safe and operational for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total federal investment for small craft harbours?

The federal government is spending nearly $1 billion over five years to repair and modernize small craft harbours across Canada.

When does the construction planning start in Pointe Verte?

Advanced planning for the Pointe Verte harbour upgrades begins in 2027.

How much revenue do these harbours generate?

Pointe Verte brought in over $2.7 million in 2024. Miminegash generated more than $10 million in commercial lobster fishery landings in 2025.