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March 30, 2001
KINGSTON (Ontario) — Brent St. Denis, Parliamentary Secretary to
Transport Minister David Collenette and MP for Algoma-Manitoulin, today
announced the official transfer of Crawford Dock to the City of Kingston,
effective March 30, 2001. The transfer agreement includes a $100,000
contribution from the National Marine Policy’s Divestiture Fund to
offset operating costs in the initial years of operation.
"The City of Kingston is to be congratulated for joining the move
towards a new era of port management," said Mr. St. Denis.
"Having this facility run by local people who best know its role in
the community — and its potential for growth — will allow it to
function in a more commercial and cost-effective manner. I would also like
to congratulate Peter Milliken, MP for Kingston and the Islands, for his
efforts in moving this project forward."
Under the National Marine Policy, announced in December 1995,
Regional/Local port sites are being transferred to other interests over a
six-year period ending in March 2002. In some cases, ports are being
transferred as operating ports; in other cases, Crown land and facilities
are being transferred to interested parties for other uses.
"The National Marine Policy enables ports to respond more
effectively to the needs of their customers," said Mr. Collenette.
"The better use of transportation infrastructure in this manner will
ultimately provide a boost to trade, tourism and job creation."
Crawford Dock was one of Transport Canada’s Regional/Local ports,
which range from large facilities that support significant local and
regional commercial activity to very small facilities with little or no
commercial traffic. It is comprised of a dock facility and associated
water lot in the Kingston Harbour and covers 0.41 hectares.
"We are very pleased to receive this dock from the Federal
Government, and to encourage the commercial use of it for tourists
visiting the Kingston area," said Mayor Isabel Turner.
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2000 budget
and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
Contact: Stephanie Sanford, Communications, Toronto, (416) 952-0160
Telephone: 613 533-6881
Transport
Canada article
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