Change Islands wharf needs to be replaced: MHA Derrick Dalley
The Change Islands wharf is beyond repair and needs to be replaced, according to Isles of Notre Dame MHA Derrick Dalley.
The harbour authority in the area says the wharf is no longer safe, and people in the area have been pressing to get something done about the crumbling structure.
A new sea cucumber operation, owned by Quin-Sea Fisheries Ltd., has opened beside the wharf, and is the main employer on Change Islands — but it needs the structure to continue operating.
Dalley said the wharf is critical to the local economy — but it's hazardous to work on.
"It's not about repairs. I think the wharf is going to need to be replaced. That's what the people are advocating for," Dalley told CBC News.
"So, I think the focus is going to be here that we're going to need a larger pot of money and a larger investment, and that's certainly the arguments and the position we'll be taking when I discuss it with the federal minister."
Wharf repair and replacement is a federal responsibility, handled by Small Craft Harbours with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Local people have written letters, appealed to their federal members and held a rally last week to draw attention to the dismal condition of the wharf, Dalley said.
In addition, Dalley said he's had two good meetings with the head of Small Craft Harbours, and he's optimistic about the outcome.
"I've got to say, the discussions were positive. They've sent out their engineers to look at the wharf itself on Change Islands. You know they're in the business of making investments in small communities, and in particular in wharf infrastructure, so they're looking very closely at Change Islands as well."
Dalley said it's important to now get the right information to the federal government and ensure they understand the importance of the wharf to the people and its value to the local economy.
Hoping for federal government support
Dalley said his next step will be to talk to the federal minister to re-enforce the issues. He said the federal government has supported the area in the past, with wharf infrastructure in both Twillingate and Fogo Island, so he's hoping for the same outcome this time.
"They're aware right now of the emergency condition of the wharf, so I would like to think that this will raise the priority level for Change Islands and get some attention. And, you know I feel they're already paying some attention and looking at the issue," he said.
In the meantime, Dalley said the wharf would qualify for $3,000 in emergency funding from the province that could help, until he gets an answer from the federal government.
