Federal Government Announces Harbour Upgrades for Fortune and Burin

The federal government has announced funding for two small craft harbour improvement projects on the Burin Peninsula aimed at improving safety and supporting the region's fishing industry and marine transportation.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada said the projects will include the repair and reconstruction of the breakwater at the small craft harbour in Fortune and dredging work at the harbour basin in Burin.

The announcement was made by Joanne Thompson, Canada's Minister of Fisheries and Member of Parliament for St. John's East.

The Fortune project will involve strengthening and rebuilding the harbour's breakwater to improve protection from severe weather, high waves and other coastal conditions. Federal officials said the upgraded structure will create calmer waters within the harbour, helping to protect vessels and harbour infrastructure while improving navigation and berthing for both commercial and recreational users.

The harbour also serves as an important transportation hub, supporting the local fishing industry and ferry service to St. Pierre and Miquelon.

Construction on the Fortune breakwater is expected to begin in 2027.

Meanwhile, dredging at the Burin small craft harbour will remove accumulated sediment from the harbour basin to restore safe navigational depths. The work is intended to ensure commercial fishing vessels can continue accessing the harbour safely and efficiently, supporting fish harvesters and the local fishing industry.

The Burin dredging project is expected to be completed in 2027.