Petty Harbour’s Harbour Authority President, Reg Best, expressed his delight, calling it a significant day for the community. Best, alongside Cape Spear MP Tom Osborne, revealed an allocation of $8 million from the federal budget for the construction of a new breakwater. The current breakwater, built in 1966, has undergone substantial damage, as noted by Osborne, who warned that the existing structure is at risk of being destroyed by future storms.
The investment is not only aimed at safeguarding the harbor’s physical infrastructure but also at ensuring the well-being of the surrounding community. Best, having served on the Harbour Authority for 25 years, emphasized the importance of the new breakwater, a project the Authority has been pursuing for over two decades.
Following the completion of a feasibility study, discussions on the next steps are underway. Best highlighted the broader benefits of the breakwater, emphasizing its positive impact on various industries beyond fisheries, such as those attracting tourism to the waterfront.
Climate change considerations play a pivotal role in the necessity of the breakwater. Best emphasized the urgent need for the new structure, citing the increasing severity of storms and rising ocean levels, which pose a significant threat to low-lying areas. Osborne, addressing concerns about emissions caps, assured that the budget includes measures to introduce climate protection initiatives while supporting the local oil industry.
The recent damage to Trepassey’s breakwater due to a severe storm highlighted the vulnerability of coastal communities. Osborne justified the funding allocation to Petty Harbour by citing the long-standing need for the project and reiterated that other projects would also benefit from the investment fund.
The commitment to local infrastructure projects underscores the government’s efforts to bolster communities and industries across the region. As the budget awaits approval, Petty Harbour anticipates the positive impact of the new breakwater on its community and economy.