Derelict boats continue to litter beaches in West Howe Sound, but there is a way to keep more of them from drifting there. Ian Winn, Sunshine Coast Regional District director for Area F, learned that first-hand through keen eyes and a phone call.
From his home in Williamson Landing last week, Winn saw six feet of bow poking up though the waves.
“What’s that boat doing floating past my window?” he said, explaining his astonishment at the board meeting of the West Howe Sound Community Association on Feb. 28.
Realizing the vessel was sinking, Winn called the Coast Guard. Within 15 minutes a boat from Search and Rescue arrived. The crew attached a rope to the flagging hull and towed it away.
The Coast Guard advises anyone seeing an abandoned vessel drifting at sea to call 250-413-8933 or *16 on their cell phone, unless they are sure no one is aboard. In the case of a vacant boat that’s a hazard to navigation – all floating abandoned boats are – call 250-480-2772.
If the boat is not in the water, a sea tow won’t work because of possible leaks and contamination.
That’s the issue with at least three derelict vessels that had been sighted in West Howe Sound in the fall. They remain beached despite a federal grant available for cleanup.
Parliament is trying to create an alternative, Winn explained at the Feb. 28 meeting. Bill C-64, in its third reading, would require boat owners to register their vessel each year, as is done with cars. Part of the fee would fund the cleanup of derelict boats.
Also at the WHSCA meeting, directors came up with a name for a re-use event it is planning. The Reuse-a-thon is set for a tentative date of Saturday, Sept. 8.
The morning will feature a trash bash, a volunteer effort to gather illegally dumped trash. The Reuse-a-thon, with a possible overlap, will start around lunch time. Participants can give away or take away reusable items.
No money will exchange hands, except possibly for sustenance. The WHSCA is negotiating with Persephone Brewing Co. for sponsorship, which may include a beer cart.
Directors also came up with a name for the WHSCA’s next general meeting. “Simons Says” will feature special guest Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons.
Simons told me Monday he’s prepared to speak, time permitting, on a long list of issues: water supply, affordable housing, long-term care, poverty reduction, the Langdale bypass, BC Ferries, the legalization of marijuana, fire protection north of YMCA Road, Burnco, child care, and legal aid.
Simons Says will be held Wednesday, March 21, at Eric Cardinall Hall in Shirley Macey Park. Doors open for a neighbourhood meet-and-greet at 6:30 p.m. Simons’ talk begins at 7.
Two other WHSCA meetings are being planned, for April 11 and June 13. Expect some details in my next column. Until then, please send your news of West Howe Sound to Elizabeth@rains.ca
