More Federal Money for Harbours

Friday, August 31, 2012 by Manny Paiva Owen Sound in talks with a potential third party owner for the harbour to get it dredged.

Bayshore Broadcasting News has learned there is more federal funding available for harbour dredging and divestiture. Bruce Grey Owen Sound Conservative MP Larry Miller confirms 21 million dollars is now available. That is a lot higher than the 11 million dollars Owen Sound officials heard was available at this month's AMO meeting. Bayshore Broadcasting News has also learned the City is exploring a third party ownership of the harbour. Mayor Deb Haswell says there are companies interested in owning Owen Sound's harbour -- but she wouldn't elaborate due to confidentiality agreements. Haswell admits it's an option worth exploring since there's only 21 million dollars are available for 60 ports identified for divestiture by the federal government. And the Mayor notes the funding is only available until 2014. Haswell says she is cautiously optimistic they will be able to move forward in this option. Haswell admits it helps that MP Larry Miller is committed to dredging Owen Sound's harbour at an estimated cost of five million dollars. Haswell adds any discussions involving a third party will include the City's and public's interest in accessing the harbour lands.