The Corporation of the District of

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE REPORT

For the Committee of the Whole meeting on December 12, 2016

To: Patrick Robins File: 5280-09 Chief Administrative Officer

From: Bruce Greig Priority: Strategic Director of Planning and Operational Building Services

Date: December 04, 2016

Re: Moorage and Other Uses in Brentwood Bay

RECOMMENDATIONS: With regard to the issues in Brentwood Bay discussed in the staff memorandum of December 4, 2016, it is recommended that Council take a phased approach:

Short term: 1. the District hold a public information meeting to gather feedback on the points raised and confirm or add to the understanding of the issues being experienced by the community in Brentwood Bay; and, 2. Council request that the provincial and federal governments provide additional resources for the proper removal and disposal of derelict and abandoned vessels, buoys and other marine refuse.

Medium term: 3. having gathered public input, Council indicate whether taking on a more direct role in the monitoring, regulation and enforcement of activities in Brentwood Bay is to be pursued as a municipal priority; and, if so, 4. Council reach out to the Council of to gauge if there is a desire to work together to jointly develop a management plan for Brentwood Bay; 5. Council direct staff to prepare cost estimates for: the development of new regulatory bylaws; preparation of an application for a provincial Licence; new

1903 Mount Newton Cross Road, , B.C. V8M 2A9 Phone: 250-652-4444 Fax: 250-652-0135 To: Patrick Robins, Chief Administrative Officer December 04, 2016 For: December 12, 2016 Committee of the Whole Re: Moorage and Other Uses in Brentwood Bay

resources for communication, monitoring and enforcement; and any new capital improvements, for consideration in the budget and five-year financial plan; 6. Council direct staff to draft terms of reference for a Technical Advisory Committee to advise Council on the development of a new management plan for Brentwood Bay including new regulations covering moorage and live-aboards, backed by a provincial Licence of Occupation; 7. Council consider inviting members of the CSPS Working Group to participate in the Technical Advisory Committee; 8. Council direct staff to proceed with a District-initiated bylaw process and application for provincial Licence of Occupation, public engagement and communication strategy.

BACKGROUND: At its June 6, 2016, meeting Council received a staff report on the regulation of moorage and other uses within Brentwood Bay, and gave priority to an initiative to investigate a new municipal regulatory scheme for monitoring and enforcement of such marine activities. The Council motion initiated a process of information gathering, identifying regulatory options and investigating how other municipalities have addressed similar issues. Council also directed that an initial step in developing a management plan for Brentwood Bay, which may include approaching the Province for a Licence of Occupation, should include consultation with the Tsartlip First Nation to see if there is potential to work together on these issues.

This report overviews the issues observed, legal authority, challenges of enforcement, experiences of other jurisdictions, parallel efforts underway, potential resources necessary and approaches to communication.

DISCUSSION: A. Issues Observed

This summer, the Central Saanich Police Service, in cooperation with the RCMP marine unit, provided safety patrols of the Brentwood Bay area (Saturday fireworks nights plus additional Thursdays). During the same period, the municipal Bylaw Enforcement Officer responded to a number of complaints which are somewhat typical for the summer months: these include overnight moorage of vessels at the municipal wharf, dumping of garbage on the wharf and at public beach access points, parking on nearby roads, unsightly vessels and concerns of pollution caused by live-aboards. The following is a snapshot of observations gathered during these monitoring and enforcement activities:

Number of boats observed moored in Brentwood Bay: 76 Number of buoys: 111 Buoys complying with Transport standards: 50%

To: Patrick Robins, Chief Administrative Officer December 04, 2016 For: December 12, 2016 Committee of the Whole Re: Moorage and Other Uses in Brentwood Bay

Number of dinghies, canoes and kayaks at public beach access points: 35 Number of dinghies observed moored at the municipal wharf: up to 20

Environmental impacts

A number of citizens have expressed concerns about pollution of the marine environment of the Saanich Inlet resulting from:  inadvertent or deliberate dumping of garbage by boat owners;  derelict or inadequately fastened boats or other floating objects (sections of dock floats, barrels, etc.) which may break loose in storms;  derelict or abandoned vessels sinking when unattended;  improper maintenance polluting the water (e.g. paint scraping and sanding, spills of fuel and oil); and,  untreated sewage dumped by boats including live-aboards.

The Saanich Inlet Protection Society has requested that the municipality install a sewage pump- out facility on the municipal wharf in Brentwood Bay.

Aesthetics and nuisance

Additional concerns have been raised for the impact that moored boats and other objects may have on the view and residents' enjoyment of the beauty of the bay. Concerns have been expressed for the visual impact from both the concentration of boats and the appearance of individual vessels (tattered tarps, boats rafted with other objects, general disrepair).

Congestion

Concerns have been raised of moored or anchored boats impeding navigation within Brentwood Bay. Some concerns have referred to keeping the navigation channels (which have been defined by Transport Canada) clear. The Saanich Inlet Protection Society has requested that the District take responsibility for delineating the navigation channels with standard marker buoys.

Other, more general concerns expressed about congestion within the bay may point to moored vessels acting as obstacles to near-shore navigation and recreational use. The protected waters of Brentwood Bay are an attractive place to moor larger vessels (which when in use may spend most of their time elsewhere in the inlet, the Gulf Islands or further afield). Yet the protected waters of this "parking area" for larger vessels are also a desirable destination for To: Patrick Robins, Chief Administrative Officer December 04, 2016 For: December 12, 2016 Committee of the Whole Re: Moorage and Other Uses in Brentwood Bay smaller vessels such as kayaks, canoes, rowboats, paddle boards and sailing dinghies. This may point to a need to have clear areas for navigation appropriate for both larger and smaller vessels, separate from delineated areas where larger boats may be moored when not in use.

Parking

Bylaw complaints have been received about vehicle parking on public roads near Brentwood Bay which may stem from boating activities including live-aboards. Municipal bylaws allow parking for up to 72 hours on public roads where safe and unless otherwise marked. No "resident-only" on-street parking regulations have been enacted in Central Saanich. Parking bylaw issues are not the focus of this report.

B. Legal Authority and Regulatory Options

Staff sought an updated legal opinion from the municipal solicitors on the District's authority to regulate moorage and other activities in the area of Brentwood Bay which falls within the municipal boundaries. Recent court decisions have shed light on the scope of municipal jurisdiction, and have helped clarify the line beyond which municipal regulations might intrude into federal jurisdiction.

Within the federal jurisdiction over navigation and shipping, under common law there is an incidental right to anchor temporarily "for a reasonable time, for a reasonable purpose" if connected to active navigation use; such anchoring is immune from provincial or municipal regulation. This temporary right does not extend to a right of long-term anchorage or moorage. There is room, therefore, for municipal regulations (under the zoning powers granted to municipalities by the Local Government Act or the licensing powers under the Community Charter), to regulate land uses such as the mooring of boats - so long as the municipal regulations do not restrict those federal rights of navigation and temporary moorage.

Municipal bylaws most typically deal with land use regulations as they apply to parcels of privately owned land or municipal public places such as roads and park land. The waters of Brentwood Bay cover Crown (i.e. public) land under provincial ownership. Since the regulatory powers held by a municipal government are delegated from the Province, a Licence of Occupation from the province would confer additional support for new municipal regulations applying to the water-covered area of the District within Brentwood Bay. The licence might be for public recreation and traditional harvest uses, for example - excluding other uses such as long-term moorage and/or residential occupation from designated areas covered by the licence.

As any new regulations are developed, consultation with both the federal government (Transport Canada) and provincial government (Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations) is recommended at an early stage.

Limiting areas of anchorage or mooring for the sole purpose of clearing the view of the water from shore, to improve scenic vistas, would likely not be deemed to be within municipal authority. Some degree of regulation of the visual appearance and state of repair of boats and other objects in the bay may well be within the jurisdiction of the municipality. With respect to unsightly or dilapidated vessels, the municipal Parks, Beaches and Other Public Places Bylaw No. 804, adopted in 1985, imposes regulations in public places within the District. This bylaw regulates matters such as littering, damage or removal of vegetation. The bylaw does not specifically refer to unsightly vessels or littering in marine areas. The municipal Unsightly To: Patrick Robins, Chief Administrative Officer December 04, 2016 For: December 12, 2016 Committee of the Whole Re: Moorage and Other Uses in Brentwood Bay

Premises and Noxious Weeds Bylaw No. 1845 regulates the state of private property and structures or buildings located on private land. If Council desired to enact regulations for the appearance or state of repair of vessels located in a public place (Brentwood Bay), such authority likely exists under the Community Charter. Staff would recommend that the practicality of investigation and enforcement be carefully considered (access to investigate, serve notice and identify contact information for vessel owner) before enacting such a bylaw. Again, early consultation with the provincial and federal agencies is recommended to ensure any municipal bylaw applied within the marine area would not contradict areas of authority of senior governments (e.g. boat construction and safety standards).

C. Municipal Enforcement

Any potential new regulations need to be carefully reviewed to ensure they will be enforceable in a manner which is practical and makes efficient use of limited municipal resources. Currently, as with all municipal bylaws, staff investigate bylaw infractions based upon complaint. Enforcement measures follow the bylaw enforcement policy adopted by Council to prioritize complaints presenting a risk to health, safety or damage to the natural environment. Investigation of bylaw complaints related to vessels moored in Brentwood Bay are complicated by two factors: first, the difficulty of obtaining access over the water and, second, vessels have no "address" and many are not registered making it difficult or impossible to identify ownership. Enacting a mooring licence regulation could enable the municipality to identify boats and the contact information of their owners - potentially enabling much quicker communication if there were a bylaw issue (or an emergency situation).

D. Other Jurisdictions

Marine navigation is the jurisdiction of Transport Canada. Environmental protection in marine areas falls under the jurisdiction of the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Coast Guard, and also under the provincial Ministry of Environment. While regulatory authority and responsibility rests with these agencies, achieving resolution on the issues identified in this report has often been frustrated by two factors: the problems identified are not of a scale sufficient to trigger a response by senior levels of government, and/or the agencies involved do not have adequate resources to act.

Central Saanich should continue to work with provincial and federal agencies to partner, where possible, to jointly improve marine issues. The authority of Transport Canada to remove non- compliant mooring buoys, vessels and other objects causing problems in Brentwood Bay will continue to be a key factor in avoiding environmental damage or unsafe conditions. In emergent cases of potential marine pollution, contacting the Coast Guard remains the appropriate protocol for investigation and response.

Other local governments have taken steps to regulate moorage and other uses in their local waters. Staff engaged Gerard LeBlanc of Cedar Coast Planning Consultants to investigate the approaches taken and experiences of a handful of local governments - including the recently publicized efforts of the City of Victoria and the City of Port Moody. While the particulars of each municipality are different, there are lessons to be learned from these efforts (see Attachments). The Port Moody regulations rely on the federal jurisdiction of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority for monitoring and compliance; a resource unavailable to the municipality in the case of Brentwood Bay. The City of Victoria regulations and Licence of Occupation restrict moorage to a short term use only; in the case of Brentwood Bay,staff expect that the To: Patrick Robins, Chief Administrative Officer December 04, 2016 For: December 12, 2016 Committee of the Whole Re: Moorage and Other Uses in Brentwood Bay continuation of some long term moorage is expected. For both Port Moody and the City of Victoria, extensive public engagement was undertaken prior to enacting new regulations.

If the municipality were to adopt new regulations of marine uses in Brentwood Bay, they could have an effect on neighbouring jurisdictions; most immediately the Tsartlip First Nation, CRD Juan de Fuca Electoral Area of Willis Point and BC Parks in Tod Inlet. Impacts may also be felt to a lesser degree in , Sidney, other municipalities in the CRD and the Cowichan Valley Regional District. Any proposed changes to municipal regulations should be communicated to these local jurisdictions well in advance and with an eye to coordinating efforts wherever possible.

E. Parallel Efforts

A number of interested and affected stakeholders have been working on these issues for, in some cases, many years. Earlier this year the Central Saanich Police Board was approached by the Saanich Inlet Protection Society (SIPS) which led to the establishment of a working group. The Saanich Inlet Working Group is composed of representatives from:  Saanich Inlet Protection Society  Central Saanich Maritime Society  Tsartlip First Nation  Sidney/North Saanich RCMP  RCMP South Island Integrated Marine Unit  Forest Lands and Natural Resource Operations  Transport Canada - Navigation Protection Program  Central Saanich Council  Central Saanich Police Service

The Central Saanich Police Service (CSPS) has stepped forward in response to the initial request from SIPS. The CSPS are a willing participant in working with community and enforcement partners however have limited jurisdiction in many of the areas of concern including the derelict vessels. Competing values and uses in Brentwood Bay engage a broad range of issues and jurisdictions. Staff therefore recommend, if Council decides that taking steps to effect changes within Brentwood Bay is a priority, that Council engage this stakeholder group more directly by appointing a Select Committee of Council and inviting their participation (including the ongoing participation by CSPS).

Also, in October a meeting of the Saanich Inlet Round Table involved 80 participants, with representatives from the above organizations plus:  Parks Canada  Peninsula Streams Society  SeaChange Marine Conservation Society  Bamberton Historical Society  University of Victoria  Brentwood Power Squadron  Shorekeepers  Shipwatch Society  Harbour Authority Association of BC  Central Saanich Community Association  Willis Point Community Association To: Patrick Robins, Chief Administrative Officer December 04, 2016 For: December 12, 2016 Committee of the Whole Re: Moorage and Other Uses in Brentwood Bay

 Sidney Anglers  Capital Regional District  Cowichan Valley Regional District

Clearly there is great interest in protecting the environmental qualities, recreational opportunities and natural beauty of the Saanich Inlet and Brentwood Bay. This report is based on input from staff, the municipal solicitors and consultant research; it has not received input from the above stakeholders or other interested Central Saanich residents. Staff recommend that the District seek public input to inform its decisions, to ensure any actions align with community expectations.

F. Resources

Council must consider whether the municipality wishes to take on a greater role in regulating, educating, monitoring and enforcing regulations in areas where senior levels of government already have jurisdiction. All these actions take time and resources to put in place, and must compete with other demands for municipal services. Similarly, new capital expenditures lead to added operating and maintenance costs which also must be considered. That said, if Council wishes to see changes in Brentwood Bay it will likely require some action on the part of the municipality.

The initial efforts by the City of Victoria to regulate moorage in the Gorge Waterway are budgeted in excess of $100,000 annual additional staff resources - for an area much smaller than Brentwood Bay. This does not include legal costs which arise from enforcing the municipal bylaw through the courts, if challenged.

G. Communication

Any regulatory changes would require ongoing opportunities for public engagement and outreach. Even if direct regulatory changes are not pursued by Central Saanich, the municipality could play a role in providing information to residents and visitors informing them of the issues and clarifying what can be opaque layers of jurisdiction and regulation.

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SOME OPTIONS:

Not surprisingly, no simple solution exists to solve a complex, multi-jurisdictional suite of issues which arise from the various activities in Brentwood Bay. If the District were to take a more active role in managing the use of the land and water in this area, and the impacts which result from those uses, then a multi-pronged approach would be necessary. Staff are not advocating that the District should take on any or all of the following actions; rather the following options are presented for Council consideration while deciding to what degree the District may wish to step in to take responsibility for regulating aspects of the use of Brentwood Bay. Given the many options, stakeholders and interests involved, it is expected that a course forward will be determined after completing a series of steps of consultation as outlined at the end of this report. There may be some short-term actions, however, which Council may wish to direct.

The following options are provided for further discussion. To: Patrick Robins, Chief Administrative Officer December 04, 2016 For: December 12, 2016 Committee of the Whole Re: Moorage and Other Uses in Brentwood Bay

Direct actions:

The municipality could adjust its services and physical infrastructure to alleviate some of the issues. Direct actions could affect staffing, work plans and operating budgets. 1. install public pump-out facility at municipal wharf; 2. install weather & moorage "traffic conditions" webcam to monitor the municipal wharf area; 3. provide garbage bin and collection from the municipal wharf; 4. install marker buoys delineating the navigation channels within Brentwood Bay; 5. install new signage at the municipal wharf notifying that discharge of raw sewage or other waste in the Saanich Inlet is prohibited (and just gross), and promoting a "pump it: don't dump it" message; 6. create program of incentives and rebates for (or provide free) basic self-contained marine toilets for live-aboards; 7. investigate incentives for private marinas to install, maintain, operate and make publicly available additional marine sewage pump-out facilities; 8. lease patrol vessel, to be based at municipal wharf for summer months; 9. hire additional, marine-focused bylaw "education and compliance" staff for summer months;

Communication:

The municipality could develop communication messages and materials (for both physical and digital distribution) for the following: 1. promoting safe and responsible uses of the bay; 2. providing contacts and answers to frequent questions and points of confusion (e.g. who to call when); 3. building awareness among boaters of possible regulatory changes; and, 4. agency contacts and resource information on housing alternatives - for live-aboards who may have limited housing options.

Education:

The municipality could raise awareness of the issues, the impacts and the alternatives available to boaters by: 1. continuing regular patrols and expand outreach to boaters; 2. considering a "positive ticketing" approach (e.g. coupon to local marine supply stores) and incentives; 3. inviting boat and buoy owners to join mailing list - to enable updates on regulations and public events; 4. providing communication materials to community groups and partners who can also help "spread the message" while also providing their considerable expertise and experience.

Regulation:

The municipality could consider new and revised regulatory bylaws for the following: 1. revise the OCP Marina Development Permit Area Guidelines to clarify that marina pump- out facilities are expected to be maintained, operable and made available for public use; To: Patrick Robins, Chief Administrative Officer December 04, 2016 For: December 12, 2016 Committee of the Whole Re: Moorage and Other Uses in Brentwood Bay

2. revise the Land Use Bylaw to permit a number of live-aboards (e.g. 10% of slips) within commercial marinas (subject to vessels having and using holding tanks, sewage pumpout provided at the slip and a dedicated parking space provided for each live- aboard); 3. explore the development of an "unsightly vessels" definition and regulation; 4. define within the zoning regulations, and designate areas of Brentwood Bay on the zoning map for: a. no anchoring (e.g. federally-designated navigation channels); b. short-term anchoring (e.g. up to 48 hours); and, c. long-term moorage; 5. develop a licensing regulation (akin to an annual dog licence) for placement of a mooring buoy and/or anchoring within a long-term moorage zone. Such regulations could include: a. requirements for spacing or setbacks; b. limits on the total number or density of moored vessels; and/or, c. priorities for issuing licences based on municipal policy to be developed (e.g. priority to adjacent upland properties, residents within Brentwood Bay, residents of Central Saanich, etc.).

The municipality could also explore options to create regulations defining areas where no anchoring and/or no overnight anchoring would be permitted, and a licensing scheme for short- term anchorage (similar to the approach taken by Port Moody). This would require, however, additional authority granted by the federal government. From the public comments and complaints received to date, it appears that short-term anchoring does not present a significant community concern - rather the concerns centre on issues with long-term moorage in the bay.

Any changes to the zoning regulations and/or buoy licensing regulation would need to be developed with early consultation and coordination with neighbouring jurisdictions including Tsartlip First Nation, CRD Juan de Fuca Electoral Area (Willis Point) and BC Parks. If a new regulatory scheme were to be drafted, the District should initiate discussions with the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO) and Transport Canada on applying for a licence of occupation from the province over areas of Brentwood Bay.

If a defined area for short-term anchorage is identified as a preferred option, exploratory work would need to be done to assess the environmental sensitivity of the seabed within the proposed area and any effects or mitigation measures appropriate for a more concentrated anchoring use within that area. Staff expect this would be necessary preparatory work for an application for licence of occupation from the province.

Monitoring and Enforcement:

It would take time to lay the groundwork to enact new regulations affecting moorage. The municipality could begin, however, to place greater priority on initial bylaw education, voluntary compliance and enforcement efforts. Staff suggest that this could initially include: 1. obtain the use of a boat, based at the municipal wharf for the summer months; and, 2. hire additional seasonal bylaw staff to add capacity with a focus on education, outreach and investigation of activities in Brentwood Bay.

As an alternative, the District could investigate whether some of these initial activities could be undertaken by a willing partner organization. To: Patrick Robins, Chief Administrative Officer December 04, 2016 For: December 12, 2016 Committee of the Whole Re: Moorage and Other Uses in Brentwood Bay

Cost Considerations:

The following are ballpark costs for some of the elements mentioned in this report, for discussion purposes. If directed by Council to explore any of these further, more detailed cost analysis would be prepared for consideration during deliberations on the budget and five-year financial plan:

Potential Initial costs: marker buoys ($1500 $36,000 x 24) wharf pump-out $90,000 facility wharf webcam $3,000 wharf garbage bins $400 porta-potty $4,000 distribution additional signage $2,000 application for $50,000 Licence of Occupation public engagement $25,000 Annual Operating costs: additional compliance $45,000 staff (6 mo.) pump-out op. & $4,500 maint. communication $7,000 garbage collection @ $4,000+ wharf patrol boat $6,000

The above are rough costs and, if so directed, staff would seek more detailed cost estimates for budget purposes at the time any of these elements were being looked at in more detail. The above does not include additional staff time or resources for developing new regulations or the management and support of committees. It is expected that these costs would be in addition to current bylaw enforcement costs (e.g. for removing and impounding dinghies moored overnight at the municipal wharf) which are expected to continue at a similar level barring a change in regulations or service levels..

Lobbying:

Council should continue to request support from senior levels of government, as these issues relate to areas of provincial and federal primary jurisdiction. Staff suggest that requests for support focus on the following areas: To: Patrick Robins, Chief Administrative Officer December 04, 2016 For: December 12, 2016 Committee of the Whole Re: Moorage and Other Uses in Brentwood Bay

1. financial assistance for disposal of derelict vessels and marine waste (including legal costs), via a cost recovery fund or creation of regional facilities; 2. greater resources for provincial and federal agencies (Coast Guard, Transport Canada, Ministry of Environment) to enable these agency to carry out their responsibilities for early and ongoing response to vessels of concern; and, 3. as the provincial and federal governments continue negotiation on the establishment of a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) reserve including the Saanich Inlet, that the municipality request there be no exclusion of areas with concentrations of existing tenures - such as Brentwood Bay.

If the NMCA were established, it would place jurisdiction for all marine activities with a single federal agency. This could solve much of the confusion about authority for addressing issues on the water. Excluding pockets from the NMCA, however, would exacerbate the patchwork of jurisdiction which currently exists.

Partnerships:

Council has already identified the Tsartlip First Nation as a stakeholder for early and ongoing consultation on any regulatory changes being contemplated. Exploring whether there is interest to develop a joint management plan for Brentwood Bay with Tsartlip is a promising approach on a number of levels. As well, if new regulations backed by a Licence of Occupation were being considered, consultation with Tsartlip First Nation would be essential to ensure that the details of the Licence would be consistent with the Douglas Treaty rights of Tsartlip and other Wsanec first nations. To this end, Council might inquire whether Tsartlip First Nation would be interested in developing a joint application for the Licence.

If a new regulatory scheme for moorage were being considered, the District might also approach the CRD and BC Parks about the practicality and advisability of enacting parallel regulations for the areas of Brentwood Bay and Tod Inlet within their jurisdictions. As we have seen with the recent actions by the City of Victoria in the Gorge Waterway, new regulations can have the effect of simply relocating an issue. If coordinated bylaws were being considered, opportunities to share costs on monitoring and enforcement should also be discussed with interested agencies.

Next Steps:

Staff recommend that appropriate next steps could include:  hold a community information meeting to gather feedback at this early stage;  having heard that public input, Council consider whether pursuing new regulations is a desired step for the municipality; and, if so,  engage with Tsartlip First Nation to explore the potential for partnering in developing a management plan for Brentwood Bay;  direct staff to prepare a first draft of initial bylaw(s);  draft terms of reference and establish a Technical Advisory Committee;  engage other jurisdictions (including Transport Canada and FLNRO);  develop a communications plan to create a broad awareness of the issues and possible changes well in advance of any new regulations coming in to force; and,  engage the public on new draft regulations.

To: Patrick Robins, Chief Administrative Officer December 04, 2016 For: December 12, 2016 Committee of the Whole Re: Moorage and Other Uses in Brentwood Bay

CONCLUSION: Other local governments have faced similar challenges in responding to issues within the marine areas of their municipalities. Each situation is unique and, as seen in the approach taken by Port Moody and Victoria, the path forward would need to be navigated carefully to respond to local interests and conditions. Staff recommend that Council consider the contents of this report - along with what has been heard to date from the public and stakeholders - and proceed with the initial phase of seeking public input on the elements and process outlined in this report in the short term. With budget preparation now underway in all municipal departments, if any initial direct actions (i.e. special projects, new infrastructure and/or increased service levels) were to be considered as priorities in the next year, then Council should indicate that they be included now for deliberation in the 2017 budget process.

Following a process of public input in the near term, it is also recommended that Council provide an indication of whether there is a desire to take a more active role in the regulation, monitoring and enforcement of activities in Brentwood Bay and, if so, direct that the District initiate a regulatory bylaw process and make application to the province for a Licence of Occupation.

Respectfully submitted,

Bruce Greig Director of Planning & Building Services

ATTACHMENTS: Brentwood Bay zoning Administrator’s Recommendation: Map showing navigation channels I concur with the recommendation Memo from Cedar Coast Planning contained in this report. Consultants, Nov. 30, 2016; Temporary Patrick Robins Moorage Considerations for the District of Chief Administrative Officer Central Saanich. Meeting notes from the Saanich Inlet Working Group Nov. 30, 2016 Meeting notes from Saanich Inlet Round Table Oct. 13, 2016. Transport Canada - presentation on Addressing Abandoned, Derelict and Wrecked Vessels. Parks Canada - presentation on the Proposed Southern Strait of Georgia NMCA Reserve

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CEDAR COAST PLANNING CONSULTANTS [email protected] MEMO

To: Bruce Greig, Director of Planning District of Central Saanich

From: Gerard V. LeBlanc Cedar Coast Planning Consultants

Date: November 30, 2016

Subject: Temporary Moorage Considerations for the District of Central Saanich

Issue: Based on resident complaints staff recommended to Council on June 6, 2016 that a new municipal regulatory scheme for monitoring and enforceement of moorage, live-aboards, and dumping, and/or other activities in Brentwood Bay be investigated. This would be prior to applying for a Licence of Occupation (LOC) from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations (FLNRO). The staff recommendation is an outcome based on a Notice of Motion to Council for staff to initiate consideration of a Licence of Occupation (LOC) for Brentwood Bay. Staff take the poosition that concurrent steps need to be considered within the DCS along with an application for an LOC as a concentrated approach to deal with the issue of temporary moorage. As noted in the staff report the purpose and value of the LOC is to solidify support for the municipal regulation. An assessment of initiatives to control temporary anchoring and moorage, live-aboards, derelict vessels, enforcement issues and other matters in the cities of Victoria, Port Moody and West provides the basis for this recommendation. It is noted only the City of Victoria has obtained an LOC from the province to deal with the issues noted.

Background Staff have investigated the steps taken in three municipalities and have found different approaches have been effective for each of them. In West Kelowna and Port Moody the initiatives are in place and operational. In the City of Victoria, new zoning is in place for the Gorge Waterway as is an LOC for the area zoned as Gorge Watterway Park Zone. It remains for a management plan required as part of the LOC granted to the City to be prepared for the affected area of the Gorge fronting on Banfield Parrk. In addition the City is investigating different methods to remove live-aboards and any derelict vessels located within the LOC. Specific discussion of the three different approaches is provided in subsequent sections.

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CEDAR COAST PLANNING CONSULTANTS –MEMO November 30, 2016

Discussion The following discussion provides information on the temporary anchoring/moorage regulations and schemes within the Cities of West Kelowna, Port Moody and Victoria.

City of West Kelowna

The legal basis for municipal control over temporary moorage/anchorage and related issues has its origin with a BC Court of Appeal case focusing on Gelatly Bay on Okanogan Lake within the City boundaries. As noted previously by staff, although municipalities can permit or prohibit the use of land covered by water through zoning, the regulations put into place must permit some short-term anchoring and cannot impede navigation to be consistent with Federal powers.

The approach taken in West Kelowna is the most straightforward and simplest of the three jurisdictions reviewed. Discussions and correspondence with City of West Kelowna staff indicate that temporary moorage/anchoring is regulated through the City’s zoning over the water. In summary, the City has four ‘Water Zones’ with the following permitted/prohibited uses:

W-1 Recreation Water Use Primary Permitted Uses - Docks, wharves & Mooring buoys as an accessory use to the abutting upland parcel.

Accessory Uses - Moorage accessory to the use of the abutting upland parcel.

W-2 Intensive Water Use Primary Permitted Uses - Docks, wharves & Mooring buoys as an accessory use to the abutting upland parcel.

Temporary moorage for periods less than 48 hours.

Accessory Uses- Moorage accessory to the use of the abutting upland parcel.

W-3 Commercial Water Use Primary Permitted Uses - Temporary moorage for periods less than 48 hours.

Wharves & mooring buoys accessory to the use of the immediately abutting upland parcel.

W-4 Pritchard Canal Water Use

Primary Permitted Uses - Docks and Wharves accessory to the use of the immediately abutting upland parcel.

Accessory Uses - Moorage accessory to the use of the abutting upland parcel.

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CEDAR COAST PLANNING CONSULTANTS –MEMO November 30, 2016

The use of a vessel for residential purposes is prohibited by the General Provisions of the West Kelowna Zoning Bylaw. Enforcement of the provisions of the bylaw is carried out by the City’s Bylaw Enforcement Officers. There is no designated moorage area in West Kelowna and control over moorage is adequately dealt with through zoning.

City of Port Moody

Port Moody Designated Anchorage Area (DAA) Port Moody has adopted a regulatory scheme to manage temporary moorage in a DAA. This regulatory approach has been initiated and completed in conjunction with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority operating as Port Metro Vancouver; a Federal Crown corporation accountable to the Minister of Transport. It is the principal authority (equivalent to Transport Canada) for shipping and port-related land use, navigation, shipping, and sea activities within the Port of Vancouver. The City of Port Moody worked closely with Port Metro Vancouver in the establishment of the DAA.

The DAA lies in a small portion of Port Moody Inlet within Burrard Inlet. It provides anchorage for up to twenty (20) recreational vessels on a temporary basis. The City has the flexibility to adjust the boundaries to provide for public safety during events and activities in the inlet, otherwise the boundaries are set. The DAA permits overnight stays but prohibits docks from being built within the DAA as well as prohibiting any live-aboards. No sewage discharge services (pump out stations) are provided in the DAA; sewage is prohibited from being discharged in the Inlet.

The City has control over the entire DAA and determines how it is to be used and administered. The regulations established for the DAA require boaters to obtain anchoring permits; anchoring outside the DAA is prohibited. Boaters wishing to stay overnight in their boats must obtain a DAA permit by registering with the City. Boats can be anchored for up to 21 nights during a 40-day period within the DAA. When that period expires they must relocate to a marina or to another permitted location.

Boaters must respect the terms and conditions expressed in the moorage agreement established with the permit issued them and must moor in the DAA. Registration can be made on-line and requires a refundable $500 deposit; a $12-daily moorage charge applies. In addition, a $30 administration fee is charged to the registered craft and boater.

Responsibilities in the DAA are divided along jurisdictional lines with Port Metro Vancouver. Port Moody’s responsibilities within the DAA include:  Access to and within the DAA;  Administration of its operations, including fees and charges,  Limiting the duration of anchorage;  Maintenance standards for recreational vessels within the DAA;  Maintaining and replacing marker buoys,  Adhering to applicable bylaws (shipping & navigation),  Specified insurance requirements,  Ensuring environmental security and regulation,  Removal of any boats (derelict, in trespass or otherwise) from the DAA, and  Providing a safe work environment.

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CEDAR COAST PLANNING CONSULTANTS –MEMO November 30, 2016

Port Metro Vancouver’s responsibilities in monitoring the area outside of the Designated Anchorage Area include:

 Initial purchase and installation of four marker buoys to show the DAA boundary,  Patrolling and monitoring the DAA for compliance,  Removing boats or vessels that anchor outside the DAA,  Making information about the no anchorage area widely available by reasonable means,  Removing derelict boats and vessels, debris and items that may affect navigation, and  Raising awareness with boaters that they are only allowed to anchor in the DAA.

The Port Moody DAA came into effect in July 2016. Additional detail on the successes and shortcomings of the operation of the initiative during its first summer of operation have not been received at the time of writing. It is anticipated they will be received prior to the December 12, 2016 meeting of the District’s Committee of the Whole.

City of Victoria

Gorge Waterway Park Zone The City received an LOC from FLNRO in October 2015. The City intends to develop a management plan to deal with park management and concerns and issues identified at community meetings and the Public Hearing for the required rezoning of the area.. Environmental considerations are also to be part of the plan developed by the City.

The City amended its Zoning Bylaw to correct an inconsistency with Federal regulations requiring that a local jurisdiction, when regulating use of the surface of the water in its bylaw must provide for short-term anchoring in accordance with the Federal power over navigation. The original section of the City’s Zoning Bylaw prohibited overnight moorage or anchoring. The amendment adopted by the City brings zoning for this area of the Gorge into consistency with both the recent BC Court of Appeal decision in West Kelowna and with Federal regulations.

The Gorge Waterway Park Zone implements the following:  Establishes a temporary moorage period of 48 consecutive hours;  As a secondary control vessel moorage cannot to exceed 72 hours in a 30-day period;  The original 48 hours is considered part of the total 72 hours;  Moves from prohibiting overnight moorage to permitting;  Bylaw adopted in response to public concerns over: o Access to water; o Fuel and lubricant spills and other environmental issues; o Degradation of shoreline and erosion as a result of boat access; o Noise and nuisance impacts on the public use of Banfield Park; o Impacts on the use of the Gorge Waterway for recreation; o Federal regulations over navigation.  Bylaw Implementation: o Enforcement through City Bylaw Enforcement Staff; o Support from Victoria PD; o Fire boats used for access; 4 | Page

CEDAR COAST PLANNING CONSULTANTS –MEMO November 30, 2016

o Public monitoring of and City response non-compliance; o Monitor mooring to determine if additional management measures would be beneficial to the public interest and waterway health.

Other City of Victoria Initiatives There are six or more live-aboards in this area of the Gorge Waterway. City staff have been directed to determine individualized strategies for relocating live-aboard residents. Concern has been expressed by some of the suitability of alternative means and locations in the context of affordable housing options for live-aboard residents.

A Letter of Notification was mailed to area residents, boaters and affected persons and a community (information) meeting and a Public Hearing were held on the proposed bylaw. The proposed regulations outlined therein were generally supported by the public. Some supporters preferred having no overnight moorage; some objectors wanted no regulation whatsoever and removal of all moorage restrictions.

There was public concern with the effects mooring and anchoring would have on the marine environment. As a result there was a call for an environmental study, particular since there is no upper threshold established for the number of boats permitted in the LOC. It is understood that the completion and implementation of a management plan for moorage and other uses of the Gorge Waterway Park is a Council requirement and is viewed as an appropriate response to expressed public concerns. A management plan could also limit the number of vessels to be permitted to moor/anchor in the Gorge Waterway.

The Notification Letter sent resulted in similar feedback voicing support for the proposed bylaw as at the community meeting and the Public Hearing. Concerns expressed in the feedback were related to problems associated with derelict and abandoned boats and their removal; the total number of boats permitted in the moorage area; that there be a focus on management of the Gorge Waterway by the City (this is perhaps being done by the CRD given the multiple jurisdictions involved); support for Federal requirements to not prohibit moorage/anchoring; environmental concerns; monitoring and enforcing moorage time limits; concerns for current live-aboard occupants including finding suitable alternative, affordable housing options for them.

It is evident the bylaw had its supporters and detractors but it is understood that for the most part there was support for the bylaw. Opposition centred on any restrictions being placed on moorage and permitting moorage anywhere; support was based on managing environmental and public access and use issues in the management plan.

Finally, the City had a Marine Surveyor determine the value of the live-aboards in the Gorge with a view to using City funds to purchase and remove the crafts – acting as a Receiver of Wrecks under TC authority. The result of the survey was that the value of the boats was determined to be higher than the financial capacity proposed by the City. As a result the city may have to proceed through injunctive action to remove the live-aboards and possibly the derelict vessels.

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CEDAR COAST PLANNING CONSULTANTS –MEMO November 30, 2016

In summary, appropriate zoning is in place in the City to regulate temporary mooring and anchorage in the Gorge Waterway adjacent to Banfield Park. The Gorge Waterway Park Zone establishes the provisions controlling use of the water. The City has established its zoning regulations in the area defined in the LOC issued by the province. It is endeavouring to complete a management plan for the area that will add additional strength to the scheme to manage temporary anchoring in the area.

Regulations in Adjacent Jurisdictions

Saanich: controls an abutting portion of the Gorge Waterway; regulations prohibit float homes and live-aboards (use of vessels as residences); anchoring prohibited for a continuous period exceeding 72 hours.

Esquimalt: Gorge Waterway in is zoned M-4 – Marine Navigation and prohibits moorage; bylaw is being reviewed for lack of consistency with Federal regulations; there can only be incidental interference with navigation and shipping and mooring cannot be prohibited by a local government; must permit short-term anchoring so as to not intrude on Federal powers.

Legislative Considerations The District’s legal counsel has provided an extensive and comprehensive legal opinion on the various considerations DCS should give when considering the adoption of zoning temporary moorage regulations. They include existing zoning provisions, provincial and federal authorities and the Doctrine of Paramountcy, obtaining an LOC, considerations under the Community Charter and the Local Government Act, regulatory schemes working elsewhere, among others, to initiate a workable scheme for the District in Brentwood Bay. The extensive opinion provided supports, and should guide, the establishment of regulatory controls and zoning provisions to deal with the temporary moorage and anchoring issue.

Summary It is assumed here that the District will wish to obtain an LOC from FLNRO whether it establishes a temporary anchoring or temporary moorage area in Brentwood Bay. The District will need to file an application with FLNRO stating the reasons and rationale for obtaining an LOC, its location and extent. Consultation with other local governments may be required and the District will want to consult closely with the Tsartlip First Nation on the issue of the use and also on an application to FLNRO for an LOC.

Part of the requirement of being granted an LOC will be the requirement to locate it where it causes least impact on navigation and shipping, have regard for existing navigation channels and having Coast Guard (CG) approved buoys marking the boundaries of the licence area. This would be required whether temporary mooring or anchorage were the selected alternative. If a temporary moorage approach is selected, all mooring ‘stations’ will need to meet CG specifications including bottom anchors/mooring blocks, chaining to the floating buoy(s) and marking of the buoy(s) to CG standards. These requirements are set out in TC’s policies and standards (currently under revision) for Private Mooring Buoys. CG considers any navigational aid owned by a municipal government to be private.

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CEDAR COAST PLANNING CONSULTANTS –MEMO November 30, 2016

For clarity, it is assumed anchoring permits a vessel owner to literally ‘drop anchor’ to secure their vessel. This will disturb the ocean bottom each time an anchor is dropped or weighed, thereby exacerbating disturbance of the bottom environment of Brentwood Bay. Over an extended period of time this could result in an underwater environment subjected to constant turnover and stress.

With an approach that permits temporary moorage it is assumed that a vessel owner would attach a line to a buoy anchored to a concrete mooring block sitting on the bottom of Brentwood Bay. Bottom disturbance would occur once over a specific area the size of the moorage block for each of the moorings established. It is possible/likely that the extent of disturbance would be considerably reduced with moorage than with anchoring as there would be less disturbance of the bottom of the Bay over time. Establishing moorage would most assuredly be more costly for the District but would likely have less of an impact environmentally on the bottom of Brentwood Bay.

Although only three jurisdictions have been examined in detail, it is evident that whether through zoning provisions alone or with zoning in effect along with a provincially granted LOC, a spatially-based, regulation-oriented approach works best to control temporary moorage and anchoring. Additional information will be provided when it is received from the City of Port Moody on their DAA.

More specifically for the District and Brentwood Bay, it will be necessary to clarify exactly where temporary anchoring/moorage is permitted preferably through an LOC, and how to regulate/prohibit live-aboards in a manner that saves the District harmless. This last comment is made as the District Zoning Bylaw is not entirely clear whether live-aboards are prohibited through existing provisions.

What needs to be focused on is the specific approach desirable to, and effective for, Brentwood Bay given the issues associated with temporary moorage as well as historical use of the water by residents, including First Nations. It is likely that the sensitivity of the Saanich Inlet and thus Brentwood Bay will be of concern. This can be dealt with separately from a regulatory scheme and should occur whether temporary anchoring or moorage is permitted in an LOC. Considerable information was obtained for Saanich Inlet as a whole in the late-1990’s through the Saanich Inlet Study which may still bear relevance today, if only as a starting point.

Based on the analysis of approaches used in West Kelowna, Port Moody and Victoria, I feel confident in saying that it would be difficult to improve on the approach used by Port Moody, and to some extent Victoria as it appears they are proceeding in the same direction as Port Moody, with necessary adjustments for Banfield Park, for example. The degree of success achieved by Port Moody, to be reported on in the near future, may cast the decision toward using a model based on the approach taken there. Combining it with site specific zoning for the LOC area could ‘lock’ the solution to the issue for the District.

Some of the elements that the District does not possess that are found in the Port Moody scheme is the cooperation of Port Metro Vancouver or CG to educate the boating public on moorage in Port Moody Inlet, policing boats moored outside the DAA and the removal of vessels not moored within the DAA or which are in a derelict condition. Assistance from 7 | Page

CEDAR COAST PLANNING CONSULTANTS –MEMO November 30, 2016 external agencies is available in DCS and will likely require contractual agreements to implement as well as associated costs. Nonetheless, capital and administrative costs could be recovered, at least in part, through charges assessed on vessels anchoring or mooring temporarily within a zoned LOC dedicated to that purpose.

Prior finalizing an LOC area and implementing zoning provisions within it, the DCS would need to enter into a rigorous public consultation process including the Tsartlip First Nation. In addition, it would need clarity from CG on how to have regard for navigable waters and would require the CG’s approval for the location of a moorage/anchorage area. Discussions will be required and an application for an LOC filed with FLNRO to acquire the appropriate tenure for the water area to be used. Finally, the DCS will want to consult with legal counsel periodically throughout the application process and definitely prior to implementing regulatory provisions for the designated moorage/anchorage area.

Having reviewed the Port Moody process and the structure that has been established for managing the DAA, I would recommend that the DCS consider an approach similar to what is in effect there and move forward to establish a similar area within Brentwood Bay. It would be prudent to examine what has been implemented in the Gorge area of the City of Victoria to gain on the experience acquired by the City in the area of Banfield Park with this issue to help in refining the scheme to be used in Brentwood Bay. A designated area established through an LOC with zoning provisions in effect would provide clarity as to where vessels are permitted to anchor or moor and where they cannot. It would also assist with the prohibition of live-aboards and with the possible elimination of derelict vessels (through the zoning provisions applied).

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Saanich Inlet Marine Enforcement Working Group

November 30, 2016

Meeting Notes

Present

Deputy Chief Derren Lench, Central Saanich Police Service (Chair) Michael Simmons, Saanich Inlet Protection Society (Vice‐chair) Paul Bastarache, Compliance and Enforcement Branch, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Roberta Dight, Transport Canada Petra Allen, Saanich Inlet Protection Society Ian Cameron, Saanich Inlet Protection Society Allan Adams, Central Saanich Maritime Society Harvey Merritt, Central Saanich Maritime Society Anne Henderson, Brentwood Bay Citizen Group Alicia Holman, District of Central Saanich Council Greg Atkinson, Office of MLA Gary Holman

Discussion (captured under themes)

Sunken Vessels: Update on ongoing efforts to have two sunken vessels removed from Brentwood Bay. One is just off shore and one has been tied to a mooring buoy further out. Willis Marine has been asked by DCS to provide estimates; raise the vessels and tow to shore with an option to destroy and transport to the landfill. Once costs are known the District will discuss with Transport Canada possible in‐kind or financial contributions. Central Saanich Police Service (CSPS) will not cover any of these expenses. The vessels may have to remain stored at Public Works for a period of time to attempt location of the owners. Transport Canada will provide the necessary Receiver of Wrecks paperwork as necessary. These sunken vessels are not considered a navigation hazard by Transport Canada and Coast Guard has determined they are not a pollution threat.

Floats: These are floating structures not attached to the shore. Most if not all do not have lights. None currently have a permit from BC Forest Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNRO). Compliance and Enforcement Branch does not issue permissions but another branch of the Ministry does. Some floats may be considered a hazard to navigation in which case action could be taken by TC. Some floats may have potential pollutants in which case the Coast Guard or BC Environment could take action. It was suggested that a joint inspection by BC FLNRO, TC, RCMP and CSPS could be arranged. FLNRO and TC suggested that if anyone provides information they will investigate.

Government of Canada Funding and Legislation: The Ocean Protection Plan (OCP) has been announced with new funding for ocean safety and promise of legislation for Vessels of Concern. At the moment allocation of the funding is not decided. TC is preparing to hire additional staff for implementation. The Navigation Protection Act is being reviewed. The regional TC office is involved in planning for all these aspects of the OCP.

District of Central Saanich (DCS): The Chief Planner for DCS is currently preparing a report to be presented to Council December 12th. The report will list the possible approaches that are available to

the District and will refer to some of the current practices elsewhere in BC including those implemented in the Gorge, Port Moody and Kelowna. The Working Group has not been engaged with the District in preparation of the report. It is planned that if Council agrees there will be consultation before policy and programs are planned.

There is concern that vessels being removed from the Gorge are now being towed to Brentwood Bay. So far three boats have arrived in the bay from the Gorge. A long term solution has to be found. Once DCS settles on a solution for Brentwood Bay vessels of concern will just move to another community.

Transport Canada commented on some solutions to similar situations in other parts of BC.

1. Columbia‐Shuswap Regional District has zoned the surface of Shuswap Lake to prohibit placement of new mooring buoys, except by waterfront property owners. Buoys already in place will be allowed to stay. TC reported that this approach seems to have solved the issues with boats on the lake. 2. Port Moody is a special case as it is part of the Fraser and Vancouver Port. The mooring regulations recently legislated by the City does not restrict the right to navigate nor short term mooring but does restrict long term mooring. The City is able to regulate in this way only because it is part of the Port and has arranged with the Port to do so. 3. Victoria – Gorge has been possible as the City of Victoria and applied and received a license of occupation for the sea bed from the Province. 4. In Brentwood Bay the navigation channels are legally defined as “no work zones” as this is the only legal means available to TC to designate areas in a way that restricts activities. The strategy of removing mooring buoys is not productive as each one removed is soon replaced by another.

Inventory of Brentwood Bay: The RCMP and Central Saanich Police Service worked together over the summer to do a complete inventory of all boats, mooring buoys, and floats. There were 404 objects recorded with the GPS coordinates. Cpl. Larry Jacobs of the RCMP is currently making them GIS readable and will be sharing with Transport Canada. TC (Roberta) asked that anyone send her current photos of troublesome situations on the bay. She will research the situation using the inventory, assess if any regulations are breached and determine if enforcement actions would be possible. TC (she) made the commitment to coordinate the review with other departments of the Federal, Provincial and local governments and to coordinate enforcement.

FLNRO (Paul) reminded the group that in 2012 a similar joint project took place removing a number of derelict vessels, and designating the “no work” zones. At the time several departments from different levels of government worked together with the District of Central Saanich and he committed FLNRO to continue with similar efforts in the future.

It was agreed that all levels of government need to work together and solutions can be found with that commitment and focus. Several participants pointed out there are limited budgets for the District and various departments with competing pressures. There was some discussion that some funding might be available from NGO’s and that may be considered in the future.

Moratorium on Mooring Buoys: Anne did ask about a possible moratorium on mooring buoys which led to a discussion on the fact that removing them doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be replaced.

Vessel Licensing: Petra discussed the success of Washington State in licensing all boats which allows for clear identification. It means that ownership of abandoned boats can be known, provided that records of licenses are maintained. Also funds from licenses can be used for crucial regulation and enforcement of vessels of concern. It can also be used for education programs aimed at the boating community. This would be an ideal subject for funding under the OCP. As would assistance to local communities to achieve any of the programs we have discussed at the Working Group.

Saanich Inlet Round Table 13 October 2016 Shoal Point Centre, North Saanich Meeting Notes

Approx. 80 people in attendance Alan Dolan, Facilitator Kitty Lloyd, Note taker

Welcome to Saanich First Nations’ Traditional Territories – Adam Olsen  Saanich Inlet is the heart of the Saanich Nations’ territory  Good to see all the seats here filled today, that there is lots of interest in the community about the health of Saanich Inlet  Saanich Inlet is important to all who live here now, and those who have for many generations  Primary way of travel was always on the water  Common saying among the Saanich peoples: “When the tide is out, the table is set”  This is the time of year when we honour the salmon returning – especially the chum, they have provided major source of protein for Saanich people for generations, just coming to the end of that moon  Most of Saanich peoples’ traditions were around honouring the ocean  All Saanich people signed the , not just about land deals, this is a water treaty as much as a land treaty  We often overlook the importance of water, it’s at events like this that we celebrate and recognize the importance of the ocean  Concern expressed about number of boats moored, continued closure of shellfish beds due to pollution  Welcome to MPs Elizabeth May and Alistair MacGregor, and all the MLAs and municipal councillors here today

Welcome – Acting Mayor of North Saanich Murray Weisenberger  There is overwhelming support for the round table at the North Saanich council  Our council voted unanimously to fund this meeting today

Introductions around the table:  Saanich Inlet Protection Society, Parks Canada, Peninsula Streams Society, Central Saanich Maritime Society, Bamberton Historical Society, SeaChange Marine Conservation Society, University of Victoria, Central Saanich Police Service, RCMP, Power Squadron, Central Saanich council, Shorekeepers, Cowichan Bay Shipwatch Society, Harbour Authority Association of BC, Central Saanich Community Association, Willis Pt Community Association, Sidney Anglers, CRD, CVRD; boaters and residents of Mill Bay, Brentwood Bay, Sidney

Presentation: Vessels of Concern Nicole Legault, Jeffrey Johnson, Eric Huberdeau of Transport Canada (via phone and internet from Ottawa); see attached PDF of the presentation

 Strategy to address abandoned and wrecked vessels, formal national consultation period has passed but still want to hear input about measures used elsewhere around world to address this issue

1  Growing problem in local communities, especially with pleasure craft; inventory a few years ago showed several hundred along the BC coast, probably many more by now  Definitions: o Abandoned: owner has voluntarily given up interest, has not transferred to another owner o Derelict: unseaworthy, a public nuisance o Wreck: vessel that is, or is at risk of becoming, sunken, beached or stranded  Pleasure craft: owner can no longer afford to maintain, expensive to dispose of, especially fiberglass  Insufficient insurance, can’t repair after an accident or storm, cost of dismantling boat is prohibitive, low value of materials at end of life  Federal gov’t has limited power to address impacts, can act under certain circumstances e.g. if a threat to marine environment (discharging pollutants, damaging fish or fish habitat) or obstructing marine navigation  Key elements of potential strategy for Canada: o Prevent occurrence of new problem vessels, address the lack of appropriate disposal options o Remediating existing problem vessels  Discussion questions: would new rules such as prohibition of abandonment, be an effective means of prevention?  Remediating existing vessels, national consultation – general agreement that current laws, policies and programs are insufficient; any strategy should emphasize owner responsibility – being able to identify owners is often a problem, this need to be addressed  Partnerships needed with other levels of gov’t, improve disposal options, measures are needed to fund the remediation of problem vessels  Looking to state of Washington and other jurisdictions to see how this problem is handled elsewhere

Questions and Comments:  MLA Gary Holman: key points in discussion with federal agencies is that there needs to be 2 parallel actions, with federal agencies taking the lead; the province is waiting in the wings on this, federal government has primary jurisdiction, regulatory changes need time to be implemented and enacted; deal with inventory of existing abandoned boats while dealing with regulatory amendments; there is concern about downloading of responsibility onto lower levels of government that have no constitutional responsibility; need the federal government to step up and lead on this issue  A: there is recognition by federal gov’t that they need to take a leadership role, but need to work with other levels of gov’t to deal with this issue, we don’t want to download but want to deal effectively with partners in other levels of gov’t  MP Elizabeth May: has been hearing from constituents for years, cuts to Transport Canada to the BC region, only $35,000 to deal with this issue on BC coast. Has there been a request to increase the budget? What has TC been asking for, what should I be asking for when I talk with Transport Minister Garneau soon?  A: specific funding was for vessels of concern, or marine safety?  MP May: Don’t recall seeing any augmentation of budget, down from $150,000 one year to 35,000 the next, need to increase funding for the BC region. As a former Atlantic Canadian, this is a bigger problem on the BC coast  A: There has never been specific resources to deal with derelict vessels in a TC budget, not sure what precisely you’re referring to, could be something to do with obstruction in navigable waters 2  Q: What about enforcement – is there going to be more funding towards that?  A: looking more at the prevention perspective, not in a position to say whether more enforcement will be available in future, up to the minister to decide that  North Saanich Councillor Murray Weisenberger: Don’t forget that we’re closest to the problem, but have the least amount of resources, please don’t forget about local gov’t  RCMP: was at both conferences in Victoria [where public input on derelict boats was received by TC], RCMP deals with a lot of derelicts on this coast, we just dealt with 2 in Brentwood Bay in last month, one was sinking, Central Saanich municipal police stepped up to fund this, but should be getting more support from the federal government to fund such efforts; need money to deal with this problem, getting very frustrated  Central Saanich Councillor Alicia Holman: 2/3 of land in Central Saanich is in Agricultural Land Reserve, so tax base is small; unlikely that local gov’t will be able to support more, need federal funding; what about the model of electronic product recycling as a way to fund derelict boats?

Proposed Southern Strait of Georgia National Marine Conservation Area Reserve James Gordon, Parks Canada – project manager; please see attached PDF of presentation

 There are 4 National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCA) plus 2 proposed ones in all of Canada; proposed ones are Lancaster Sound (arctic) and Southern Strait of Georgia  How is an NMCA different from a park? o Managed for sustainable use, without compromising ecosystem structure and function  Parks Canada recognizes importance of First Nations, working with 19 Nations in the region, relationship with each is very important, believe in principles of collaborative management and governance; recognize that it’s not always fair to lump all nations under one umbrella of First Nations  Broad objectives: protect and conserve biodiversity, responsible use, manage collaboratively, promote awareness  What activities are permitted in NMCA? Traditional harvesting, shipping, commercial and recreational fishing, recreation and tourism  Not permitted: oil and gas exploration, oil and gas development, undersea mining  What guides management decisions? Principles of ecosystem management, precautionary principle  Who decides what is ecologically sustainable? Will be developed over time, in collaboration with First Nations, traditional knowledge and academia, federal agencies such as DFO, TC, etc. NMCA will be subject to federal acts like shipping, navigation, fishery, etc.; advice of advisory committees  Capturing values: ecological, social, cultural, other values of NMCA  An enduring statement required for each NMCA, these will guide long term conservation objectives; statement is prepared by Parks Canada in consultation with those living near or using NMCA  How is NMCA established? o Identify representative marine areas, selection of candidate NMCA o Feasibility assessment – consultation, gov’t agreement o Negotiation of agreements, interim management plan o Addition to schedule of the act (done by act of parliament) o Goal is for full management plan in 5 years, aiming at 2020  Proposed boundary – 2011 boundary proposal [see map in attached presentation]  What’s next: continue with First Nations engagement, bilateral stakeholder engagement, working groups, public engagement 3  Contacts: o Project Manager: [email protected] o First Nations Coordinator: [email protected]

Questions and Comments:  Elizabeth May: Please report to your Parks Canada head office that losing the headquarters on Saturna Is hurt the community; no increase in Parks Canada budget for 2016  Q: What about working with the US, is there a plan to work collaboratively on the Salish Sea?  A: Our task is to actively collaborate, but we have no jurisdiction outside Canada  Q: Would you have a budget to include dealing with derelict vessels within the NMCA? Could include that in your budget request.  Q: What about oil and gas development and the floating LNG proposal?  A: Shipping is permitted in an NMCA, but industrial operation of an LNG plant within the NMCA would not be appropriate in my view. We will try and address some of these issues in policy development discussions  Important to have discussions with chiefs and councils of First Nations at the beginning of this process rather than as an afterthought. Difference between traditional, past, present and future sustainability, First Nations intend to continue harvesting into the future, all use is certainly not in the past  Q: Gary Holman: how will the NMCA fit in with other initiatives such as the UNESCO global geopark, etc?  A: Not in a position to answer for other groups working on different initiatives, but want to work collaboratively with groups working on complementary initiatives  Q: Similar land based protected areas use concept of having core areas and surrounding protective buffer areas, will you consider this for the NMCAs?  A: There would be distributed areas that need to be protected in this NMCA, this would be very difficult, just a discussion at this point, would try and address this through the interim management plan

Brentwood Bay Marine Enforcement and District Role

Introduction: Michael Simmons - SIPS  Central Saanich Police Board established a marine enforcement working group  Joint patrols were established through the summer using the RCMP boat

Sergeant Greg Johnson – Central Saanich Police Service  In summer 2015 things were getting a bit out of hand in Brentwood Bay, lots of boats coming for the fireworks at Butchart Gardens, many boats anchored there in Tod Inlet  Incident in August 2015 at the end of fireworks, a boat slammed into the back of another vessel, almost killed a family; Greg was in charge of that investigation, assembled statements, charges are now before the courts, can’t comment at this point, someone has been charged with criminal negligence  After this, was decided that attention had to be paid to vessels in the bay  Now they partner with RCMP boat to attend every fireworks night, very chaotic, needed to have help from the RCMP  Mapped the channels in Brentwood Bay, have removed 2 sunken vessels now, took them to the Central Saanich works yard, where they were dismantled by municipal workers

Corporal Larry Jacobs – RCMP  Runs the marine section, works in all the lakes and marine areas around southern island 4  Works with Oak Bay, Central Saanich, other municipalities, on the issue of derelict boats, e.g. ones in Cadboro Bay; has worked with Transport Canada, including in Tsehum Harbour, has a great working relation with Transport Canada  Transport Canada budget was cut, so when the 2 boats sank in Brentwood Bay, had no money to deal with them; got the boats on trailers, Central Saanich workers dismantled the boats, Transport Canada paid for the landfill fees; very time consuming to organizing all the different parties to coordinate this kind of effort  Will give 60 – 80 days’ notice on non-compliant mooring buoys, then can remove buoys and boats  Plan is to clean up the unsanctioned mooring buoys in Brentwood Bay and then maintain, but it’s up to Transport Canada to fund this  Marine enforcement working group is continuing, great collaboration between the two police forces and community  Please let us know if there’s an issue you want dealt with, Alicia Holman is the council liaison

Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor  Working group was established to add some enforcement in the bay, also an education component about requirement for holding tanks; attempting to get the no discharge exemption for Saanich Inlet changed, although this has not happened yet, boats still need a holding tank  Effort was spearheaded by police force, there will be a report soon about different options; waste disposal of derelict boats – expensive, Hartland Landfill – need to be aware that we don’t want to fill up the landfill,  Mayor Windsor is the chair of solid waste committee for CRD, boat disposal could create a large volume of waste

MP Elizabeth May (Saanich-Gulf Islands)  Getting together with Cpl Larry Jacob soon to discuss situation in Brentwood Bay  Fighting Pacific Northwest LNG, Malahat LNG, Kinder Morgan  Very indebted to SIPS for the presentation given by Patrick McLaren at the May meeting, very compelling data [McLaren’s talk was on the unique features of Flora Bank near Prince Rupert, where an LNG proposal by Petronas is proposed; scientific data was basically ignored by federal government]  The federal environmental review process has deteriorated into an industrial concierge service at the expense of science; the culture has changed; none of Patrick’s data ever reached the minister  Approval of Woodfibre LNG site, and 2 sites for Site C hydro dam, has shaken her to the core, would not have thought these decisions were possible after initial conversations with the new federal ministers

MP Alistair MacGregor (Cowichan-Malahat-Langford)  Thank you to local councils for picking up the slack left by federal government  Worked for MP Jean Crowder for 7 years, she authored first derelict vessels bill authorizing Coast Guard to become the receiver of wrecks  Jean asked Alistair to draft a summary of what we wanted to achieve, he studied the Washington model as one to emulate, the bill was defeated in 41st parliament, MP Sheila Malcolmson (-Ladysmith) has reincarnated the concept into a new private member’s bill, may be debated in spring 2017, hard to know how this will be received  Changing the law will cost some money, we would appreciate a coordinated effort by this group to support this initiative

5 MLA Gary Holman  Is the police board working group having input into the federal working group? Is there a change in legislation being planned around holding tanks? There are still new buoys being laid down, there should be a moratorium, province should be stepping in to help with this, they have jurisdiction, would be helpful for them to be involved (Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations), they should sit on Saanich Inlet working group.  A: will be answered offline

Bamberton Quarry Re-activation and Expansion – Denis Coupland, SIPS

 In June the Malahat Investments Corporation filed a Notice of Work Referral with the Cowichan Valley Regional District indicating that they would be applying to BC Mines and Energy to expand their quarry permit to 40 hectares. This is despite the fact that Three Point Properties already spent around $10 million to remediate the site when they were hoping to build a town site there.  There are questions about the zoning for the site where they are proposing to install the gravel crushing operation.  Two fish bearing streams are identified on site, plan indicates that they would install a settlement pond at the stream mouth - how would that improve upstream spawning habitat?  There will be devastating effects on eelgrass, kelp beds and other marine ecosystems along west coast of the inlet; we’re in for a long fight on this one.  Does anyone have more information about this?  Next round table let’s address this, should have the meeting on the west side of the inlet

Comments/Questions:  Maureen Alexander, Bamberton Historical Society president: has done lots of research on this site, society ran a museum in the site for 10 years, in the former manager’s house. Bamberton Cement Plant site is considered one of the most significant historic industrial sites in BC. Last year they were evicted when property was purchased by Malahat Nation. Maureen has information from former cement plant site manager Joe Chance who reviewed the current proposal for a quarry: o Rock is fractured limestone, cannot be used for construction or road-building (too alkaline and soft) o Blasting of fractured limestone at existing quarry site had to be stopped as it was creating a steep hole near the highway o In 1980s, test drilling was done in the area, indicated poor quality and low quantity; site was considered not financially viable, later used for distribution rather than production  CVRD board member: processing is not allowed under current zoning  Another CVRD board member: asked staff to bring this mine application to public process, applicant claims his company is too small to conduct a large scale operation; he is willing to set up a meeting with the applicant if desired, and request a tour of the site

Summary of Outcomes and Actions – Alan Dolan

 Derelict boats: o Need federal funding; great example of creativity shown by Central Saanich Police Services and RCMP to deal with the 2 abandoned boats in Brentwood Bay o Collaborations shown here need to be broadened, between agencies and working groups

6 o If there’s another issue in Saanich Inlet that police could deal with, let CS Councilor Alicia Holman know (CS Council liaison) o Request MP Shelagh Malcolmson to come to next meeting? She participated in federal conference call, Gary Holman was impressed with her depth of knowledge  Malahat/Bamberton Quarry o Ask CVRD board member to set up a meeting and site tour with applicant o Address this topic on next agenda

Future Round Table Topics:

 UNESCO Global GeoPark  What is the legal framework for Canadian regulations around LNG transportation etc? This will help us know more for a future round table o Fran Pugh – spoke with Calvin Sanborn from UVic Environmental Law Centre, a law student starting in January will be looking into this; let Fran know specific concerns or questions  Biological concerns: what has happened to the kelp and eelgrass? Why have prawn populations crashed? What about fish, Goldstream hatchery? Would like some of these topics to be included in future  Stormwater quality: o MLA Gary Holman: wondering about contamination running off the land. He’s not convinced that boats are the main source of contamination entering the inlet. Stormwater, streams, agriculture runoff are major sources of contamination. CRD has started an initiative around shellfish, consultation with Tsartlip Nation about shellfish harvesting, that would be a good perspective to bring in; contamination is not just from vessels, it’s also from the land. o Alicia Holman: SIPS had a presentation by CRD staff [Dale Green], about stormwater quality monitoring in Jan. 2015; latest data was submitted to Central Saanich recently. This would be a good topic for a future meeting.  CVRD sewer outfall extension proposal – currently, treated effluent is released to Cowichan River, proposal to extend the outfall into the ocean instead of into river. It would be good to have a presentation from CVRD staff about this issue  Elizabeth May: People that heard Patrick McLaren’s talk at last meeting are the most educated people in Canada about the issue of federal government ignoring environmental science that is presented, we are lucky to have him in our area; look at next issue of Island Tides for article on use of fraudulent science, this is a broader deeper problem, DFO is turning off alarm bells rather than heeding them; Canadian Environmental Assessment process is flawed; flag this problem for a future meeting  Retired DFO researcher is starting a program of citizen science for water quality along the coast; Squamish Nation started this, also being done in the Salish Sea in Washington, has evolved into a big program, getting a good view of the workings of the Salish Sea; goal is to supplement what the federal government used to do; getting boat owners involved in gathering data. [Name? Contact info?]  Single use plastic bags and laundry effluent: recent presentation at a Union of BC Municipalities meeting showed that clothing microfibers (e.g. polyester) from wash water is entering the ocean in huge quantities and causing severe problems up the marine food chains.

Sheila Irving, SIPS President: Thank you for your active involvement and continuing support

Meeting adjourned 4:30pm 7 OctoberOcto 13, 2016 Addressing abandoned, derelict and wrecked vessels $%!&&"!&"&!! &$"&&"!"&)"'!& 

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Purpose

• Provide an overview of the issue of abandoned derelict, and wrecked vessels

• To seek your views on: • What are the causes and challenges • Key elements of a possible federal strategy

• Present what we heard during national consultations

2 Background • Abandoned, derelict, and wrecked vessels are a growing problem for local communities as they can create environmental, economic, social and safety concerns. • It is estimated there are thousands of abandoned, derelict, and wrecked vessels in Canadian waters, with hundreds that may pose a hazard. • The problem will continue to grow as Canada’s vessel fleet ages. • While in Canada approximately 40,000 vessels per year reach end-of-life and the vast majority of them are disposed of properly, even a small percentage of them becoming derelict, abandoned or wrecked can cause major impacts on communities.

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What do we mean by abandoned, derelict, and wrecked vessels? Abandoned* Owner intentionally and voluntarily gives up interest, and ownership of vessel with no intention of returning to it and without transferring ownership to another person Wreck** Maritime law Vessel or part of a Derelict considers a Wrecks vessel that is, or is at Commonly derelict vessel can be risk of becoming, referred to as a to be an abandoned sunken, beached or very poor or abandoned stranded. The result unseaworthy vessel of a maritime condition casualty, negligence or a public or a deliberate nuisance act

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* Excludes abandonment by a crew for safety reasons ** Excludes military and heritage wrecks Why the problem occurs – what we know

* Owner can no longer afford to or chooses not to maintain vessel and lets it deteriorate (e.g., job loss, sickness, old age, death) * Owner cannot or does not want to pay to properly dispose of vessel and abandons it in the water * Owner sells vessel at end of life for low cost to unsuspecting buyer who is unaware of costs to maintain or fix the vessel Pleasure craft * Insufficient insurance or lack of means to remove/repair vessel after a storm or other maritime accident * Vessel no longer has any value and becomes a net liability for the owner at end of life (e.g. fibreglass hulls cannot be recycled or repurposed) * Vessels taken out of service are deregistered and no longer subject to oversight and deteriorates * New owner of old vessel is unaware of costs or unwilling to fix or maintain operate/scrap the vessel and abandons it or leaves it moored or docked or anchored indefinitely * Vessel is sold to foreign owner making it difficult to identify them and make them responsible for end of life management Commercial vessel * Insufficient insurance and high mitigation costs after maritime accident * High costs of recycling a vessel in Canada compared to overseas * Low remedial value of vessel at end of life due to record-low salvage price for steel

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The Federal Government has limited powers to address some of the impacts of these vessels…

Threats to the marine environment: * Has discharged, is discharging, or is likely to discharge, oil or another pollutant (DFO/CCG, ECCC) * Threatening fish and/or fish habitat (DFO, ECCC) * Depositing or potentially depositing waste in Arctic waters (TC) Threats to navigation, operations or safety: * Obstructing, or potentially obstructing, marine navigation in scheduled waters (TC) * Impeding, interfering with or rendering difficult or dangerous the use of a port, designated or scheduled harbour, canal or seaway (e.g., Canada Port Authorities, St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, Small Craft Harbours) * Jeopardizing the safety or health of persons, the environment, navigation, property or operations in a public port, port managed by a Port Authority, harbour or seaway (e.g., Canada Port Authorities, St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, Small Craft Harbours) 6 …and powers to address abandoned vessels and wrecks in certain situations

Abandoned Vessels: * May authorize any person to take possession of, and remove, any abandoned vessel located in Scheduled Waters where there is a willing 3rd party (TC) * Can create regulations to allow the sale of an abandoned vessel to any person (TC) * Prohibit the disposal of a vessel at sea unless authorized (ECCC)

Wrecks: * May authorize any person to take possession of, and remove, any wreck located in Scheduled Waters where there is a willing 3rd party (TC) * Prohibit the sinking of a vessel at sea as a means of disposal unless authorized (ECCC)

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Key elements of a potential strategy for Canada

Preventing the occurrence of new problem vessels * Under existing authorities, there are no laws that prevent an owner from intentionally abandoning a vessel. The federal government has authorities to take action but powers are specific to addressing hazards in certain situations, and do little to prevent abandonment or make owners accountable (see Annex). * Lack of appropriate disposal options can also be a barrier for owners.

Remediating existing problem vessels * A legacy of abandoned, derelict and wrecked vessels in Canadian waters pose risks that need to be addressed in the short-term. There is no national inventory of vessels of concern. * Addressing existing abandoned, derelict and wrecked pleasure craft is a burden for communities that may not have the resources to take action.

8 Preventing the occurrence of new problem vessels

Questions for Discussion Q1. Would new rules or laws, such as prohibiting abandonment, be an effective way to prevent the occurrence of problem vessels across Canada? Who should be responsible for enforcing any new rules?

Q2. Stakeholders consulted to date support Canada’s accession to the Nairobi International Convention for the Removal of Wrecks, 2007. Should Canada consider similar measures to hold owners liable for the hazards caused by other types of problem vessels (beyond wrecks)?

Q3. To hold owners responsible for their vessels, it is important that they can be identified. What changes could be made to existing systems to improve the easy and reliable identification of vessel owners?

Q4. How difficult or costly is it to dispose of a vessel? Are there enough options available to the average recreational or commercial vessel owner? What can be done to support better disposal options for owners? 9

Remediating existing vessels of concern

Questions for Discussion

Q6. Who should play a role in cleaning up existing small abandoned, derelict or wrecked pleasure craft? What about large or commercial vessels?

Q7. How should the clean up costs be covered? Should a remediation fund be developed?

Q8. Is using a risk-based approach the best way to prioritize vessels for remediation? Should the same approach be taken for both small and large vessels?

Q9. What types of risks should be considered and how should stakeholders be consulted in deciding which vessel to address?

10 What we heard during national consultations

• General agreement that current laws, policies and programs are not sufficient to comprehensively address this issue

• Any strategy should place the emphasis on vessel owner responsibility (e.g., by improving the ability to identify vessel owners)

• Partnerships are needed with other levels of government to improve vessel disposal options

• In the longer term, measures are needed to fund the remediation of problem vessels

11

Thank you for your participation.

Our coordinates:

Nicole Legault Director, Environmental Policy Framework and Integration Transport Canada Email: [email protected] Telephone: (613)949-1768

Éric Huberdeau Environmental Policy Advisory, Clean Water Policy Transport Canada Email: [email protected] Telephone: (613) 998-9885

12 Annex

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How other jurisdictions are tackling the problem

U.S. Washington State Model * Prohibition, authorities for local enforcement to take action on vessels, vessel removals funded through surcharge on licensing and registration

U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration * Detailed inventory of sunken wrecks completed in 2012 (20,000 wrecks) and risk assessment completed in 2013 (17 priority vessels)

Europe BOAT Digest * Increase awareness of vessel end-of-life management for owners and dismantlers, including web-based geospatial map of dismantlers

14 Measures that have achieved results in other jurisdictions

• New authorities: – San Juan County, Washington State (2014) - 24% (13 out of 55) of vessels removed by owner at no cost to county – Florida At-Risk Vessel Program reports early intervention can prevent up to 60% of abandoned vessels • Dedicated funding: – State of Washington (2003-2013) charges an additional $US 3 - 5 fee to annual vessel license/registration fee and has removed 306 pleasure craft ($US 2.5M) and 103 commercial vessels ($US 7.2M) – State of California (1999-2012) uses 80% of fines and has removed 1785 vessels/hazards ($US 5.8M) • Additional measures: vessel turn in program – Estimated that disposal costs for turned-in vessels are 20%-50 % of costs of remediating a vessel – State of California (2010-2012) received 246 vessels ($US 411,000) 15 The Proposed Southern Strait of Georgia National Marine Conservation Area Reserve

June 2016

1 2 How is an NMCA different from a National Park?

It’s an important marine area that includes the seabed with its corresponding water column and may also take in wetlands, estuaries, islands and other coastal lands.

An NMCA is managed and used in a sustainable manner that meets the needs of present and future generations without compromising ecosystem structure and function.

3 The Importance of First Nations

• Parks Canada Recognizes a special relationship with First Nations • Principles of cooperative/collaborative governance models will guide us • We need to meet our obligations to our First Nations Partners during the planning process

4 Broad Objectives

• Protect and conserve biodiversity and ecosystems • Safeguard social, cultural and other values • Ensure responsible use of marine resources and land • Manage collaboratively • Promote awareness and understanding • Foster connections and experience

5 What activities may be permitted in an NMCA? Activities are managed based on conservation objectives and use that are determined to be sustainable.

6 What cannot happen in an NMCA?

Oil and gas exploration  Oil and gas development  Undersea mining

7 What guides management decisions for an NMCA?

Principles of Ecosystem Management

The Precautionary Principle

8 Who decides what use is ecologically sustainable?

• Collaborative management with First Nations and Parks Canada with and an appreciation for Traditional Cultural Use • First Nations Traditional Knowledge and Academia • The Federal Family (DFO, TC, etc.) • The advice of Advisory Committees

9 Capturing Values

• Captures ecological, social, cultural and other values of the NMCA • An enduring statement, required for each NMCA • Will guide long-term conservation objectives for the NMCA • Gain support of DFO and TC of NMCA values and related objectives via management plan • Prepared by Parks Canada, in consultation with those who live near or use the NMCA

10 How is an NMCA established?

• Identification of representative marine areas • Selection of candidate NMCA • Feasibility assessment • Consultation phase • Governments agree that the NMCA is feasible • Negotiation of agreements • Interim Management Plan • Addition to the schedule of the Act (Parliament) • Full management plan within 5 years of establishment

11 Proposed Boundary

2011 Boundary Proposal

Additional changes may be necessary subject to consultation

12 What’s Next?

• Continued First Nations Engagement More In-depth Consultation • Bilateral stakeholder engagement • Working Groups • Public Engagement

13 How to reach us

James Gordon, Project Manager 250-654-4013 [email protected]

Lisa Joe, First Nations Coordinator 250-654-4005 [email protected]

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