A Gorge-Tillicum community leader wonders why the municipality has been so slow to deal with an abandoned boat.
Dorothy Chambers, who has been involved in a number of causes in the area, said almost nine months have passed since Saanich bylaw has received multiple complaints about a boat off the shores of Curtis Point in the Gorge Waterway.
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The boatB次元官网网址檚 continued presence threatens the local environment, she said, noting that water in its stern threatens to sink it. Her frustration rings through in a note that she sent to Saanich bylaw officers.
B次元官网网址淗ave a look at the stern of the boat, itB次元官网网址檚 now heavy with water,B次元官网网址� she wrote. B次元官网网址淧ropane [barbecue] and gas generator on board. B次元官网网址淟ike the derelict boat at [Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club] last year, are you just waiting for it to sink, then write me an email about how there is nothing you can do?B次元官网网址� she asked.
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That boat sank in early November 2017 and critics like Chambers cite it as evidence of what she calls SaanichB次元官网网址檚 B次元官网网址渄itheringB次元官网网址� approach towards abandoned boats. According to Chambers, the Coast Guard responded to ChambersB次元官网网址� call about the sinking within 20 minutes. Crews then floated and removed the boat within two hours.
B次元官网网址淪aanich could have just called the Coast Guard, it was that easy,B次元官网网址� Chambers said then. B次元官网网址淚nstead, they were dithering. Coast Guard should be recognized for their response. I just looked up the number [online].B次元官网网址�
Megan Catalano, SaanichB次元官网网址檚 spokesperson, said the municipality is taking the challenges with derelict and abandoned boats seriously.
B次元官网网址淗owever, it is important to note that our jurisdiction is limited B次元官网网址� derelict boats are within the jurisdiction of the federal government,B次元官网网址� she said.
As for the boat off Curtis Point, SaanichB次元官网网址檚 application to take possession of it through Transport CanadaB次元官网网址檚 Abandoned Boats program failed, after an owner came forward. This means that authorities do not consider the boat abandoned.
B次元官网网址淚n terms of next steps, the District is working to achieve compliance with the zoning bylaw, which limits the length of time that a boat is able to moor in the Gorge Waterway,B次元官网网址� she said.
Saanich bylaw limits the use of a float home or other floating vessel as a residence, and does not allow anchoring or moorage of any vessel for a continuous period .
Legal counsel are pursuing a court order that would authorize removal of the vessel, she said.
B次元官网网址淪aanich will continue to work as proactively as possible, with the interests of citizens in mind,B次元官网网址� she said.
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