Today my office sent another letter to the Honourable Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations regarding yet another derelict vessel that has washed up on the beach at Gyro Park in Cadboro Bay.

Recall that earlier this year I sent a letter to the Minister concerning a number of vessels that washed up after a winter storm. His response was not very reassuring. It suggested that both the province and federal government are mired in jurisdictional squabbles. As I noted earlier, what is desperately needed is a “one stop shopping” phone number and a timely remediation process for derelict vessels that end up on  our British Columbia beaches.

Below I reproduce the the letter that I sent. I am hoping we get a timely response to this urgent matter.

Letter to Minister Thomson

September 22, 2016

Via Email to: FLNR.Minister@gov.bc.ca

Honourable Steve Thomson
Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
Room 248, Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4

Dear Minister Thomson:

Re: Derelict wreck on Cadboro Bay foreshore (27 foot sailboat “Odin”)

Once again, I am writing with respect to the ongoing problem of derelict wrecks on the Provincial Crown foreshore of Cadboro Bay at Gyro Beach in Saanich. My office is hearing from many concerned residents and the Cadboro Bay Residents Association (“CBRA”) about the danger these wrecks pose to the public.

The latest occurrence is the 27 foot sailboat “Odin” (serial number 6E4422) which is resting on its side in an area of the beach which is heavily used by people of all ages. I have attached photos that provide evidence of how hazardous this vessel is to the public. In fact, only moments before these photos were taken, two small children were playing near (and attempting to climb on) the boat before the adults with them whisked them away from the danger.

In previous correspondence to me on February 5, 2016, you have indicated that dealing with problem vessels on Crown foreshore is complex and can involve multiple levels of government and that the BC government works collaboratively to find solutions. In the case of the “Odin”, I am writing to ask the Provincial Government to take necessary steps to deal with this matter as soon as possible.

Would you kindly respond at your earliest convenience to advise me on the status of the removal of this vessel, which poses a danger to the public every day it remains there.

I look forward to your reply.

Best wishes

Andrew Weaver, MLA
Oak Bay-Gordon Head