The federal government says major infrastructure upgrades are planned for harbours in Wheatley and Erieau as part of a proposed $957.8-million investment in Canada’s Small Craft Harbours Program.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada said the funding, announced as part of the Spring Economic Update 2026, would support repairs, upgrades and dredging projects at small craft harbours across the country over the next five years.
The announcement was highlighted Monday in Chatham-Kent by Arielle Kayabaga on behalf of Joanne Thompson.
According to the federal government, the investment will allow improvements at both Rondeau (Erieau) Harbour and Wheatley Harbour.
At Rondeau (Erieau) Harbour, which serves 25 commercial fishing vessels, work will include rehabilitation of Breakwater 303 and Basin 201.
At Wheatley Harbour, home to 59 commercial fishing vessels, planned work includes encapsulating the east pier in steel, constructing a new concrete deck and dredging the entrance channel and sediment sink.
The federal government said the funding would help ensure harbour infrastructure remains safe and operational while incorporating climate-resilient designs to meet future needs of the commercial fishing industry and surrounding communities.
“Small craft harbours are the working backbone of coastal communities in Canada. This is the largest investment ever made in small craft harbours, reaffirming this new government’s commitment to coastal communities, helping bring Canadian product to market,” Thompson said in a statement.
Kayabaga said the investment would benefit communities in Southwestern Ontario that rely on harbour infrastructure for local economic activity.
“Southwestern Ontario’s coastal communities have always depended on their harbours, and they deserve the sustained support to keep thriving,” she said. “This funding is a meaningful investment in the people, livelihoods, and local economies that are the foundation of communities like Wheatley and Erieau.”
The federal government said Canada’s commercial fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing sectors support nearly 65,000 jobs nationwide, including more than 42,900 commercial fish harvesters. In 2025, Canada’s fish and seafood exports totalled $8.47 billion.
