The Vancouver Wooden Boat Society has been a member of the Council of B C Yacht Clubs for the last few years and we have representatives that attend their meetings on a regular basis. The directors thought that our members would be interested in what is happening with this organization.

The council of B C Yacht Clubs represents the interest of members from more than 50 British Columbia yacht clubs. The Council provides key input into the affairs influencing all British Columbia boaters including Canadian Coast Guard activities, Fraser river debris control, environmental concerns, water use license applications and parks research. When required, the council can lobby regulators for changes that benefit the boating public. The Council was instrumental in forming the B.C.MARINE PARKS FOREVER SOCIETY

We will keep this site updated with a copy of the minutes from each meeting.

 

COUNCIL OF BC YACHT CLUBS

 

Précis of Minutes – November 28, 2009

 

1.             CORRESPONDENCE –

Ida Chong -

a)    Paul Stanley has written to Ida Chong expressing the Council’s concerns regarding the effect of the proposed Harmonized Sales Tax on Yacht Clubs.

Georgia Strait Alliance – Paul has received a letter regarding the establishment of a Clean Marine Advisory council. He has accepted a position on the Advisory Council so that he can keep the Council advised of any items that might affect us.

 

2.                   TREASURER’S REPORT – Herb Buchanan - This is the end of year report for 2008-2009, a year which started with $3426.60 in the bank and ended with $3203.51, which would indicate we spent $223.09 more than our income for the year. Not so, our income actually exceeded this year’s expenditures by $88.42. The difference was caused by a carryover from the previous year.

 

Other funds. We have a term investment with the bank of Montreal: principal amount - $12,495.86 matures 12th Oct. 2010. Interest is 0.200% per annum. It is redeemable prior to maturity.

 

9          GUEST SPEAKER – Kelley Wheeler, BC Ferries – Mr Wheeler described the proposed cable ferry to run between Buckley Bay and Denman Island, giving reasons, and the research behind it.  The slides used in his presentation are attached to these minutes.

 

10.        MARINE PARKS FOREVER SOCIETY – Steve MacDonald  - CBCYC delegates are reminded to canvas their clubs for this year’s donation to the MPFSoc.  .

 

1)   One MPFSoc. presentation was made, since the last meeting, to the Vancouver Wooden Boat Society (VWBS) at the Britannia Shipyard in Steveston on Nov. 19, 2009. 

2)   George Creek will lead discussions with REBAW to seek an American representative to MPFSoc.   

3)   Future Properties – The Province has been contacted regarding the purchase of Farquharson Island in Cracroft Inlet for 1.8 million. Parks has agreed to get back to us, but we are not optimistic because we expect the province is short of funds to purchase new park properties.

4)   . MPFSoc has made a request to assume responsibility for the remainder of the BC Marine Parks Guides to use for fund raising. Angus felt there would be no problem in MPFS getting the remaining inventory to raise funds.  He is quite willing to give us considerable time to work with BC Parks on these two issues.   

6)   A laptop computer and financial software was purchased for less than the budgeted 1K, to assist in the maintenance of the finances and the treasurer’s report(s). 

7)   Mary has supplied Northwest Boating with pictures of some BC Marine Parks but additional publicity through articles and pictures in local boating magazines are required.  This will be a priority in the coming year.

8)   MPFSoc. Next year’s board needs to be considered as MPFSoc director positions are coming available next year.  One resignation, the secretary, has been received to date.  Request for nominations has been issued to the delegates of CBCYC to fill the President, Secretary and Treasurer positions. AGM proposed for Wednesday Jan. 13th @ the Ladner Yacht Club 11:15 – 14:30.  All are welcome.

 

 

 

10.        STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS


b)   Government Liaison Report – Norm Dyck – 1.  MCTS Pacific Region - Based on input provided by user and advisory groups, Meteorological Services of Canada is continuing to improve its weather broadcast service.   The Extended Forecast will be continued as it has proved to be very useful to marine users. 

 

2.  Lightstation De-staffing - The planned de-staffing of certain lightstations across Canada announced in September ’09 has been put on hold pending a thorough review of the policy and the subject lightstations.  .  On the West Coast, only 2 manned lightstations were under review,at Entrance Island near Nanaimo and at Dryad Point, just north of Bella Bella. 

3.  2010 Winter Olympic Games Security - Security measures for the Winter Games will be in place for a 60 day period from January 23 to March 24, 2010.  Details are available at:  http://www.tc.gc.ca/pacific . 

4.  Regulations Update  - New and/or increased fines are pending under the Contravention Regulations relative to various sections of the Canada Shipping Act 2001,  For example, fines for offences under the Small Vessel Regs are doubling with higher values reaching $350.  Anticipated final approval and publication in Part II of the Canada Gazette is Spring 2010.  These regulations apply to both commercial and pleasure craft.

5.  CCG Update - CCG is currently conducting sessions across Canada to introduce the concept of

e-navigation which is defined as “the harmonized collection, integration, exchange, presentation and analysis of maritime information onboard and ashore by electronic means to enhance berth to berth navigation and related services, for safety and security at sea and protection of the marine environment”.  The main objectives and benefits are safety, efficiency, port/coastal security and marine environment protection and it is intended that it be user driven.  More information on e-navigation is available at the following site:  http://www.ccg-gcc.ca/e0004411 .   This is primarily intended for commercial shipping but it will also have some impact on the recreational boater. 

 

CCG intends to increase the number of aids in Pitt Lake.  .

 

Derelict vessels seem to be proliferating on the West Coast and they do cause their share of problems.  CCG has advised that they get involved only if there is a threat of pollution.  They are currently developing a pilot program to facilitate public reporting of derelict boat incidents.  A prerequisite is a proper definition of “derelict vessel” since there are still many older wood boats, some perhaps with questionable maintenance histories, afloat and in use.  An association of Harbour Masters has been formed in an attempt   to develop a strategy for removal of derelict vessels.

 

The Sea Island Hovercraft Base in Richmond experienced a 20% increase in their call load this summer!  Almost all incidents involved recreational boaters; poor preparation was often cited as the reason for the call. 

 

4.  BC Ferries - BC Ferries is considering replacing the conventional ferry between Buckley Bay and Denman Island with a “cable” ferry.

 

c)      Hydrographic – Dave Gasser -. CHS is still in the process of creating the gigantic data base which will include ALL the hydrographic data for the west coast of Canada..This will allow them to select and print any scale chart of any area and supersede the current system which has a separate data base for each chart.

 

d)      Parks Research – Jack Grisley – The boat haven CD has been redone in an improved format, and now includes marine park information.   There was a meeting on October 15 re the Roseland area, asking for suggestions in various areas. 

 

e)       Water Use License Applications – Bill Wilson – Since the September 26th meeting there have been a number of applications,  for Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland   The category with the most applications is for private moorage. (For details, see the full minutes.)

 

An application for the installation of a thermal loop month is at Mill Bay.  The area extends out from shore approximately 95 metres. I have contacted both the ILMB and Transport Canada asking about any requirement for signage to warn of the presence of these loops. The ILMB, referred me to Transport Canada, Navigable Waters. Transport Canada currently has no official requirement for signs on these installations but considers each application on its own. Transport Canada also recognizes that these installations are becoming more common and are considering the possibility of making signage a requirement when warranted.  In discussion re thermal loops, it was suggested that Transport Canada be contacted regarding the possible snagging of anchors on these if they are not signed, and that Georgia Strait Alliance be informed that they contain glycol which could be an environmental hazard..

 

The application for Commercial/ is for an investigative permit for the site of the proposed new marina in Victoria Harbour. One change I noticed was the provision for a paddling route along the shore through the marina.

 

Included in Aquaculture/Shellfish applications is one for Gorge Harbour. I did not see anything of concern to navigation with any of the applications except this one (see New Business)

 

11.        PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Paul Stanley –

The CD of approved protected anchorages was requested and sent to Bob Gowe, Navigable Waters Pacific: Federal.

 

12.  OLD BUSINESS:

 

a)      Grey water update – the Director General of Marine Safety has verbally confirmed with Jane McIvor that grey water is under federal jurisdiction.  .They are suggesting  green guidelines for houseboats rather than regulation of grey water.

 

b)      Derelict vessels – . Paul met with Bob Gowe, who stated that there is no money available to deal with them  Paul has written to Minister John Baird asking for federal funds to cover this.

 

c)       Harmony Island Tie Backs – Paul Stanley –  talked to Ryan Elphick (604-885-8944). If we want to proceed with the tie backs they can be installed in the spring but only on park property. Council would have to supply and install.  Ryan would be on site at the time of installation.

 

d)      Private Mooring buoys – an email was received from John Mackie – Transport Canada- asking for our input to name the five moorages with the most private buoy problem.. Input was received from member clubs with the most common being reported as Silva Bay, Tsehum Harbour,  Degnen Bay,  Telegraph Harbour,  Ganges Harbour.  This has been forwarded.to Mr Mackie.

 

e)      Lighthouse de-staffing – we will proceed with Freedom of Information Act if we receive no reply from Coast Guard by the November 28, 2009 meeting.   There have been numerous correspondences with lighthouse keepers to establish how many SAR incidents they have been involved in.  Also, any other items outside of their normal job i.e. helping with research projects.  A letter was sent to Minister Gail Shea with no response to date.

 

f)        HST – Bill Wilson has read that there will be a point of sale HST rebate for marine diesel, but not for gasoline. He will check to see if this is indeed the case.

 

 12        NEW BUSINESS:

 

a)      Gorge Harbour Oyster Farm – after an email consultation with 1st Vice President George Creek Paul took the initiative to oppose this item on behalf to the Council as it had to be done before November 6th.  He received back an e-mail from Shannon Vollema, and will continue to monitor the situation.

 

b)      Moved Hobson/Frampton that the Council donate $100 to the Georgia Strait Alliance and $100 to the Disabled Sailing Association of BC.  Motion carried.

13              Adjournment - meeting adjourned at 1430.


            The next meeting will be on March 27,2010 at the S. Delta Baptist Church, starting at 1100