On October 4, 2023 the Picton Gazette reported statements by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) spokesperson Samantha Bayard regarding the Commercial Fishing Village Heritage Area at Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area (PEPNWA) which were misleading.

Over 40 years ago, the Canada Wildlife Act set a precedent for accommodating Commercial Fishers/Leaseholders. Ms. Bayard suggests the Act doesn’t allow for overnight stays. Well, it has for over 40 years. Prince Edward Point has an overnight facility for bird sanctuary personnel and at there is a commercial fishing village allowed within Parc national de la Gaspésie.

In 1978, Federal Environment Minister the Honourable Len Marchand guaranteed Commercial Fishers/Leaseholders, as did the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), in writing that “the established facilities will continue to be available to the fishermen,” stating “I reiterate my statement that we have no wish to impede the existing commercial fishing enterprise at Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area.” In addition, the CWS stated in writing, “It is the intention of CWS to continue to have the commercial fishermen occupying a small number of leased lots around Long Point Harbour for the pursuance of their traditional activity.” The copy of the land survey clearly shows the allocation of lots for the commercial fishing area, Fishers/Leaseholders, “NOT for or allocated to CWS.”

As far as Ms. Bayard’s statement, “The formerly leased lots will be made safe and restored to their natural state,” commercial fishing has been taking place here for two centuries. Aren’t commercial fishing activities at Point Traverse a natural state and haven’t they been since the 1700’s?

In terms of health and safety hazards, I have never been notified by CWS or ECCC of lead paint or asbestos at my buildings which has none of those.

My two buildings are fine and structurally sound and only needed cosmetic repairs after being vandalized during COVID as were other Fishers/Leaseholders buildings. This was completed without any help from CWS to control the vandalism. We endured the vandalism, trespassing, locks being torn off, broken windows, graffiti etc. during COVID 19 without any assistance from the government.

In January, 2023, the harbour was totally closed off because of poor management and lack of proper maintenance by CWS. As a designated “safe haven” during storms, this harbour has been dredged by fishers and concerned citizens at their own costs and they have never been thanked or received payment from the CWS of the ECCC.

Bay of Quinte MP Ryan Williams and staff have been working diligently on our behalf and has hand written petitions to support us. They were presented in the The House of Commons last week.

Readers can help support and help stop this unjust treatment and wrongful decision to the Commercial Fishing Industry in Prince Edward County by signing our digital petition.

To help please go to:

change.org/savethepoints

Thank you

Linda McCormack

Picton

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