The City of Powell River will expand and upgrade the Westview Wharf in the heart of the downtown waterfront commercial district, thanks to support from the Government of Canada in response to changes to the salmon fishery.

“The Westview Wharf expansion is an example of how our Government has listened and reflected Powell River’s priorities,” said John Weston, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “This project is one of many investments in British Columbia’s infrastructure that is helping communities – creating jobs today and building a stronger Powell River economy.”

The wharf, which is used as the British Columbia Ferries’ loading wharf, will be expanded to meet the current needs of harbour users. In addition, the expansion will serve the demands from both established commercial and new recreational and eco-tourism markets, and ensure the continued viability of the Westview Wharf. It will also provide for much needed local marine infrastructure to support new forms of fisheries, aquaculture and marine based tourism businesses throughout the surrounding local area.

"The goal of coastal Community Futures is to ensure that communities maximize the economic benefits and diversification opportunities in their region,” said George Lerchs, Coordinator, Fisheries Legacy Trust.   “We are glad to be in partnership with the federal government and communities through WestCCAP to help allocate resources and help achieve these important outcomes for Powell River."

The federal investment of $250,000 is provided by Western Economic Diversification Canada, under the West Coast Community Adjustment Program (WestCCAP).

The West Coast Community Adjustment Program will provide more than $7 million to support economic growth, job creation and the future sustainability of B.C. coastal communities affected by challenges within the salmon fishery. The Fisheries Legacy Trust, comprised of the 13 west coast Community Futures Development Corporations, is delivering this initiative on behalf of Western Economic Diversification Canada.
 
For additional information, media should contact:

Jaime Burke
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 604-666-1318