Editor:
I am writing in regards to the derelict boat situation in Porpoise Bay which was reported in an article by Christine Wood in the March 10 Coast Reporter. Christine said she had heard from Lucie McKiernan, constituency assistant for Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, that there is funding earmarked under the Oceans Protection Plan. I was copied on this email from Lucie. In it she elaborated saying, “In the meantime our contact indicated that this latest sinking might be eligible for funding from the small vessel removal program available through Transport Canada. He (Lucie’s contact in Ottawa) suggested that the District of Sechelt look into this as an option if not already done so.” This information was copied to Councillor Lutes. Sechelt should look into this funding source. In our opinion, Sechelt needs to take jurisdiction over its harbour as Gibsons has done over its.
Recently, our association was asked to give Sechelt its priorities for projects to be undertaken in our area. Here is a priority that we submitted: “Part of Sechelt’s charm and economic value as a tourist destination has been the pristine waters of Porpoise Bay. Over the last two years more and more derelict boats and unmonitored live-aboard boats have piled into our harbour. There are now more than 30 boats contributing to the visual and the actual fecal pollution of our bay. We urge Sechelt’s council to enact a bylaw similar to the harbour bylaw Gibsons has in place. Once a bylaw is in place, then work could begin to start to remove the derelict boats. Federal funding has been promised to help municipalities deal with derelict boats. Hopefully, Sechelt will be able to tap into this funding. We feel that Sechelt’s reputation as a world class tourist destination is at risk and action by council needs to be taken now.”
Greg Deacon, Secretary,
East Porpoise Bay
Community Association
