Fishery workers in Newfoundland and Labrador are celebrating new federal funding for small craft harbours, with some saying wharf and breakwater upgrades are critical to keep up with worsening storms.

“Storms are getting bigger… more intense, more frequent, and it’s only going to get worse as time goes on,” said Bernard Martin, a fisherman in Petty Harbour.

Martin said he’s seeing the impact of climate change first-hand. 

The federal government recently announced $958 million to repair and upgrade small craft harbours, with the money spread across Canada over five years. This will help make harbour infrastructure more safe and climate-resistant, the government has said.

The federal small craft harbour program operates and maintains around 950 harbours around the country.

Wharf is ‘like your house’

The new funding is “great news to hear,” said John Warford, a fisherman with the Petty Harbour Harbour Authority.

He said harbour infrastructure is a crucial part of the fishery. The wharf is “almost like your house,” said Warford, adding knowing your boat is tied up safely gives you peace of mind, he said.

Recent storms and higher water levels are hard on wharves and nerve-wracking for boat-owners, he said.