TOFINO, BC, Aug. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- Small craft harbours are vital infrastructure that support Canada's commercial fishing and aquaculture sectors, helping sustain coastal communities and local economies from coast to coast to coast. Together, Canada's fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing industries support nearly 65,000 jobs and generated $8.47 billion in seafood exports in 2025.

Today, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, announced that the Government of Canada has completed repairs at the Tofino 4th Street Harbour, including reconstruction of the wharf and floats, as well as upgrades to electrical infrastructure. Funded through Budget 2024, this $550,000 investment has made the harbour safer and more reliable for the harvesters, businesses and community members who use it every day.

The 4^th Street Harbour is Tofino's main working harbour and operated by the Tofino Harbour Authority. It services the local crab, prawn, halibut and salmon fleets, and it is the community's only public boat launch. The completed work means it can keep serving the commercial fishery and the wider community for years to come.

These repairs were part of the Government of Canada's commitment announced in the 2026 Spring Economic Update, to invest nearly $1 billion over five years to repair, maintain and modernize small craft harbours across the country. That funding supports economic growth and strengthens the resilience of Canada's seafood sector, so harbour infrastructure keeps working for the next generation of harvesters.

The fishing industry is central to coastal communities in British Columbia and across Canada, and harvesters need safe and reliable small craft harbours. The funding announced in the 2026 Spring Economic Update will strengthen Canada's competitiveness and economic growth while supporting the communities that depend on these harbours. As Canada transforms from economic reliance to resilience, this investment will support local economic development for generations to come.

Quote

"Small craft harbours are often the lifeblood of coastal communities. Harvesters need infrastructure they can count on, and the work at 4th Street Harbour gives the Tofino fleet a safer, more reliable place to tie up and land a catch. I want to thank the Tofino Harbour Authority and the harbour users who worked around the construction while it was underway."

The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries 

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada invested $550,000 through Budget 2024 to complete repairs at Tofino 4th Street Harbour, including reconstruction of the wharf and floats and upgrades to electrical infrastructure.
• The completed project improved the condition, safety, and reliability of essential harbour infrastructure for local harvesters, businesses, and the community.
• Funding for DFO's Small Craft Harbour projects will see an increase of more than 35 per cent over a 10-year average under the Spring 2026 Economic Update.
• That funding is supporting necessary harbour maintenance and repairs across Canada, including in British Columbia.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada manages close to 935 harbours valued at approximately $7.1 billion — infrastructure that supports the landing of roughly 90 per cent of Canada's fish products and underpins the country's seafood economy.

Associated Links

• Spring Economic Update 2026
• Small Craft Harbours

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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada