By Tyler Waugh, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Ferryland councillors are awaiting word on whether the town will receive federal funding in 2026 to complete critical infrastructure work in the harbour, as there has been no update since the release of the federal budget last fall.
At the April 14 public council meeting, Mayor Aidan Costello said the Town partnered with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) through its Small Craft Harbours (SCH) program to develop a concept harbour plan in 2022 that would make improvements to existing harbour infrastructure and build new shoreline protection from worsening climate change.
“Recent storms are causing a lot of damage to town infrastructure (roads and water supply system), as well as the Colony of Avalon Archaeological dig,” he said, adding there have been additional impacts to the road to the lighthouse, and private businesses and properties. “The town is currently working with SCH and government to secure funding for this very important project to help protect our harbour, our town and history from further deterioration.”
Councillor Kevin Walsh said it’s “disgusting” that Ferryland continues to go without this critical infrastructure.
“We are the only community on this whole island that doesn’t have a wharf,” Walsh said during discussion of the topic during the business arising section of the meeting agenda.
Costello told council the Town has been working with SCH for four years and there is an accepted concept plan that has pre-engineering work completed.
SCH, a nationwide program run by DFO, operates and maintains a national system of harbours to provide commercial fish harvesters, and other harbour users, with safe facilities.
