A recommendation to increase moorage rates at Porpoise Bay Harbour passed third reading at a District of Sechelt council meeting, May 7.
District director of financial services David Douglas, presented a report to council recommending first, second and third reading of an amendment to Porpoise Bay Harbour Regulation Bylaw No. 494, which would allow increases to moorage and parking rates, as well as reduce the discount offered for long-term moorage prepayment.
Staff made the recommendation to increase the rates in order to bring moorage and parking fees more in line with market rates for other marinas in the Lower Sunshine Coast and Sechelt area. According to the report the most recent amendment to the bylaw was made in 2017, bringing the fees to the current rates. There are 28 slips available to moor boats at the harbour.
The report includes examples of fees from three other Coast marinas, which are $12, $7.50 and $7.65 per foot, per month. Meanwhile, Porpoise Bay Harbour rates are $4.50 per foot, per month.
The report notes the district has been running a deficit annually for the Porpoise Bay wharf facility. In 2024, the district budgeted $38,100 in revenue and $68,050 in expenses, which left a budgeted deficit of $29,950. In 2025, the district budgeted $38,100 in revenue and $76,624 in expenses for the wharf, leaving a budgeted deficit of $38,524.
Staff estimate the fee increase for 2025 should improve revenue by $18,000 and a further $6,000 in 2026, significantly reducing its deficit.
Though the Porpoise Bay wharf would still be in a deficit position, that deficiency would be significantly reduced. For 2025, an expected $60,000 revenue minus $76.642 in expenses would leave a deficit of $16,624 compared to the estimated $38,524.
Proposed rate increases
Vessel moorage
- Daily recreation/other vessel: $0.75 per foot increased to $1.25 for 2025, $1.50 for 2026
- Monthly recreation/other vessel: $4.50 per foot increased to $7.50 for 2025, $8 for 2026
- Temporary wharfhead moorage: $50 per day increased to $60 for 2025 and $75 for 2026
The 10 per cent discount on moorage paid three months or more in advance, would be reduced to five per cent to help reduce the impact of expenses to operate the facility.
The report estimates the recommended fee increases will bring in an estimated $60,000 in 2025 and $68,000 in 2026. Upon adoption, staff will directly notify moorage customers and post the information on the district’s website.
