WIARTON – Larry Miller, MP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, said Monday that the federal government will invest in restoration and upgrade work at Wiarton Harbour.

The project involves partially demolishing the upper portion of a timber crib structure and covering it in armour stone, to create a rubble mound breakwater, Miller's office said in a news release.

Recent "breaches" have raised concerns about the breakwater and its ability to protect the infrastructure behind it, the MP's office said.

The tendering phase for this project is planned for early to mid- summer 2014. Construction work is to start in late summer and to be completed within a couple of months.

This is part of the Government of Canada's investment of approximately $106 million in repair, construction, and maintenance projects across Canada, the news release stated.

"I am very pleased to announce that the Federal Government will be investing this important project to support and maintain the Wiarton Harbour," said Miller in the release. "The harbour is very important to the local economy and is a focal point of the community. This investment will go a long way in supporting commercial and recreational fishing and small-craft boating in Wiarton."

Funding will be received through the Small Craft Harbours Program, Miller's office said. This program is responsible for over 1000 small craft harbours across Canada.

For more information on the Small Craft Harbours Program please visit; http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/sch-ppb/home-accueil-eng.htm.