The main wharf and some side floats at Squamish's small craft harbour will be shiny and new in time for spring tourism thanks to federal stimulus funding.
Harbour master Bill McEnery was excited about the project and said it's just in time.
"It's a good move getting this dock repaired because we've been living with a few faults, patching it up here and there but carrying on," he said.
"It's our responsibility to operate this harbour in a safe, clean, economical manner and it's been a concern of ours because the dock here has some rot in it."
At 10:30 a.m. Friday (Oct. 15) McEnery breathed a sigh of relief when West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky MP John Weston arrived at Squamish harbour to make the funding announcement.
"The money will be used to repair the wharf that we're standing on," said Weston. "With this investment, our government is creating work opportunities right away, and ensuring an improved harbour in Squamish for years to come.
"I think it's one of many projects that enhance the infrastructure and reflect local priorities that have been set by your mayor and councillors and other organizations here."
Weston said the exact funding amount hasn't been disclosed yet because there's a tendering process in place but "there is money coming."
The main wharf is the connection between the small craft harbour where Squamish Marine Service and more transient users dock their boats, and the Squamish Yacht Club where most Squamish residents moor their boats throughout the year.
The wharf repair project is part of the $67 million the Small Craft Harbours Program is investing across Canada, $8.5 million of which was announced in April for harbours in British Columbia.
According to Weston, the funding aims to revitalize small craft harbours and support the livelihood of those Canadians who depend on them. Safety and operational efficiency at harbours across the country will be improved through a variety of projects including breakwater repairs, wharf construction and planning.
These repair and improvement projects are being undertaken by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) in cooperation with the local harbour authorities that manage and operate facilities for local users.
McEnery will be overseeing the expenditure of the funds and is confident the new wharf will be much nicer than the current one.
"Look at the difference," he said. "Some of the side floats are already done and the rest of the dock will look like that once it'd done - it'll be lovely."
The District of Squamish requested a portion of the funding and Gardner said he was grateful Squamish was selected.
"We very much appreciate this federal investment," said Gardner.
"It will fund much needed upgrades to the wharf facility as the harbour becomes a bigger and more important part of Squamish."
He said despite Squamish not being known as a fishing town, the community does have a fishing presence and is attractive to avid fisherman and tourists alike.
"It's not a large presence but we have a couple boats working in the fishing industry here," he said.
"And we anticipate more tourism in future years so we need a structure like this to facilitate that."
Avid boater and councillor Race said there was already a steady stream of visitors over the summer months.
"There's actually a fair number of people who come up here to visit in the summer by boat and more would come if we had better facilities - so this [wharf repair] just improves the entrance for people coming and what they find when they get here."
This investment is in addition to the funding provided by Canada's Economic Action Plan, which provides $200 million for two years for harbour repairs and maintenance projects. These projects were announced in 2009, and work will continue until March 2011.
