POINTE-VERTE, N.B. – The Government of Canada has officially launched a significant infrastructure modernization project at the Pointe-Verte Small Craft Harbor, marking a critical step in bolstering the resilience of New Brunswick’s coastal fishing industry against the backdrop of an evolving climate.
Serge Cormier, Member of Parliament for Acadie-Bathurst, announced the development on behalf of the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. The comprehensive project aims to address long-standing infrastructure needs while proactively preparing the facility for the environmental challenges posed by intensifying weather patterns.
The planned construction at Pointe-Verte includes advanced structural planning and the “rock-over” reinforcement of four existing wharf structures, a process designed to strengthen the harbor’s foundations against rising sea levels and storm surges. Additionally, the project will see the installation of new floating docks to better accommodate varying tidal levels and the total reconstruction of the existing slipway.
These improvements are intended to do more than simply upgrade aging assets; they are central to the federal government’s broader strategy to secure the economic future of Atlantic Canada’s fishing communities. By enhancing the safety and reliability of the harbor, the project ensures that local harvesters can continue to operate efficiently, reducing downtime and protecting both the vessels and the crew members who depend on these facilities.
“Small craft harbors are the very heart of New Brunswick’s coastal communities,” said Minister Thompson. “By investing in the future of the Pointe-Verte harbor, we are ensuring the safety of fish harvesters and their crew members, while also supporting the long-term viability of the local economy.”
The initiative is part of a national investment strategy unveiled in the 2026 Spring Economic Update, which committed nearly $1 billion over five years to the repair, maintenance, and modernization of small craft harbors across Canada. This funding is specifically earmarked to address a backlog of infrastructure repairs, including essential dredging and the integration of climate-resilient engineering to withstand the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
During the announcement, MP Cormier emphasized that the work in Pointe-Verte is one piece of a wider regional effort to stabilize Northern New Brunswick’s maritime infrastructure. He provided progress updates on several neighboring projects, including ongoing developments in Sainte-Marie-sur-Mer, Grande-Anse, Le Goulet, and Miller Brook (Salmon Beach). These collective efforts reflect a strategic transition from traditional maintenance to proactive climate adaptation.
“Harvesters need infrastructure they can rely on,” said MP Cormier. “The work that will be done here at Pointe-Verte harbor, as well as at other neighboring sites, will provide the local fleet with a safer, more reliable place to tie up their vessels and land their catches. I look forward to working closely with the Pointe-Verte Harbour Authority and the harbor users as we move forward with this important construction project.”
Beyond the immediate benefits to the fishing industry, the project is expected to provide an economic stimulus to the region through the creation of jobs during the construction phase. As Canada balances economic growth with the necessity of infrastructure transformation, the government views these investments as foundational. By modernizing these harbors, the federal government aims to ensure that the communities that rely on the sea remain competitive and resilient for generations to come.
Further details regarding specific timelines and technical specifications for the Pointe-Verte project and related initiatives in Northern New Brunswick have been made available via the official Department of Fisheries and Oceans background documentation.
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