Safe access to transportation infrastructures in Quebec and the rest of Canada is of vital importance to coastal communities and businesses.
In August 2022, the Government of Canada announced a new investment of nearly $40 million to rebuild the fishers' wharf at Transport Canada's port in Cap-aux-Meules - a major transportation, fishing, and tourism gateway to Quebec's Îles-de-la-Madeleine.
Since the announcement of the reconstruction project, important steps have been reached. Among other things, Transport Canada met with wharf users in the winter and fall of 2023 to inform them about the reconstruction project and to discuss their wharf operations and needs. A pre-conceptual study was also completed to define the project.
The Centre d'affaires Henri IV joint venture was contracted by Public Services and Procurement Canada in February 2024, following a public competitive process, to carry out the next key steps. They involve completing certain studies, selecting a concept, and drawing up plans and specifications.
Once the plans and specifications have been finalized, a call for tenders will be issued to select a contractor to carry out the reconstruction work.
Transport Canada owns the Port of Cap-aux-Meules, which includes several harbour facilities, including the fishers' wharf.
The fishers' wharf reconstruction project will be managed by Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of Transport Canada.
A temporary wharf, connected to the existing fishers' wharf, was commissioned in April 2022, to ensure the continued operation of crab fishery. The temporary wharf is scheduled to be used during fishing seasons. Use of the temporary wharf for the 2024 fishing season is planned.
According to the preliminary schedule, reconstruction work on the fishers' wharf is scheduled to begin in late 2025. It could be completed by the end of 2028. These schedules will be reviewed once the plans and specifications have been finalized and the contractor to carry out the work has been selected.
