The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Canadian Coast Guard Atlantic will construct 45 new helicopter landing pads over the next three years along the coast of Labrador. The landing pads will help ensure safe access for CCG staff and provide faster year-round accessibility to land-based marine navigational aids in remote areas.

The helicopter landing pads will be constructed of concrete, marine grade pressure treated timber, or gravel, depending on the terrain at each site. Construction crews will operate from the CCGS George R. Pearkes with Coast Guard helicopter assistance. The total cost of the project is $4.6 million.

The Canadian Coast Guard Atlantic is responsible for ensuring that its network of aids to navigation is reliable, accessible, safe and efficient for mariners.