Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Harbour Authority?
2. What tasks does a Harbour Authority carry out?
3. What role does DFO play?
4. What kind of support does DFO provide?
5. Who can join a Harbour Authority?
6. Why join a Harbour Authority?
7. How can I join a Harbour Authority?

1. What is a Harbour Authority?

The Harbour Authority concept was introduced in 1987, when responsibility for the day-to-day management and operation of core commercial fishing harbours was given to representative local Harbour Authorities. Harbour Authorities are incorporated, not-for-profit organizations that are managed by a board of directors and members, who are representative of local interest groups and harbour users. They are responsible for managing, operating and maintaining one or more public fishing harbours, through a lease agreement with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Small Craft Harbours Program.

DFO recognizes and views each Harbour Authority as a separate legal entity, with the freedom and independence of a private business to make its own decisions, and be responsible for its actions concerning day-to-day operational and management matters.

2. What tasks does a Harbour Authority carry out?

Harbour Authorities keep vital harbour facilities in good repair, provide essential services to harbour users, establish and enforce rules and represent the needs of users at the community level. Harbour Authorities help keep harbours safe by overseeing the management and operation of the facility including maintaining lighting systems, launch ramps, fuelling stations and breakwaters.

Harbour Authorities are also responsible for charging and collecting fees from users to cover costs of operating harbours. Fees collected from users are reinvested in harbour maintenance, operations and repairs.

3. What role does DFO play?

The Harbour Authority program, which is managed by DFO's Small Craft Harbours Program, is designed to give more control to local communities in handling the day-to-day operations of their fishing harbours.

The Small Craft Harbours Program offers volunteer training, guidance and advice, monitors harbours' overall physical condition and provides funding through contracts and contributions for minor and major repairs as budgets permit.

The Small Craft Harbours Program assesses proposed construction, dredging and repair projects identified by Harbour Authorities in all regions and determines funding priorities.

4. What kind of support does DFO provide?

While harbours may be locally-operated and managed, DFO offers guidance and advice, monitors the physical condition of harbours and provides funding through contracts for minor and major repairs when budgets permit. DFO continues to assist Harbour Authorities by providing reference materials, including the Harbour Authority Manual, the Harbour Authority Forum Newsletter and the Harbour Authority Corner, an on-line discussion forum. Harbour Authorities can access other useful information through the Toolbox.

5. Who can join a Harbour Authority?

Generally, a Harbour Authority is made up of volunteers, although some Harbour Authorities may also have paid staff. Volunteers usually have strong ties to the community and the local fishing industry. Anyone who wants to provide their knowledge and give their time is encouraged to join their local Harbour Authority and have a say in the management of the facilities it operates.

6. Why join a Harbour Authority?

By joining your local Harbour Authority you will be investing in your community and taking steps to ensure that decisions concerning the planning, operation and maintenance of harbour facilities best reflect local needs. You will be helping to provide efficient services through local management and be working to keep your harbour open and safe.

7. How can I join a Harbour Authority?

You can play a role at your local harbour facilities by giving some of your time and by sharing your knowledge. All you have to do is contact your Harbour Authority.

Click the following link to see lists of Harbour Authorities and Harbours across Canada. More information about the Harbour Authority program is also available from DFO Small Craft Harbours regional offices.