June 18 2021
Thunder Bay, Ontario - Local harbours are an essential part of communities across Canada. On our coasts and inland waters more than 5,000 volunteers dedicate their time and energy to assist with the operations of small craft harbours. Small Craft Harbours is a nationwide program run by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) that helps keep our harbours safe and accessible to all fish harvesters and other community members for recreational use. DFO recognizes the importance of volunteers who work hard to provide harbour users with secure, accessible and functioning facilities.
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay – Superior North and Minister of Health, on behalf of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, announced that the Silver Islet Small Craft Harbour on Lake Superior is now open to the public following a major rehabilitation project.
The Silver Islet Small Craft Harbour is located approximately 90 kilometres southeast of Thunder Bay and is accessible through Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. In the past, the harbour was used by the fishing industry, boaters, kayakers, and was home to a variety of recreational activities. For safety reasons, the Silver Islet Small Craft Harbour was closed in 2013. As Silver Islet is designated a recreational harbour, DFO intends to transfer ownership to a local non-profit group, the Silver Islet Harbour Association.
On behalf of DFO, Public Services and Procurement Canada awarded the contract to Tom Jones Corporation in the amount of $2.83M. This construction project replaced the harbour’s existing timber wharf structure, repaired the rubble mound breakwater, repositioned the launching ramp, and added a header dock inside the breakwater. This rehabilitation work makes this harbour safe and accessible to boaters and other users.