The District of Squamish said it is working to remove a derelict boathouse from the shores of Cattermole Slough in Downtown Squamish.
District said the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development will be transporting the vessel from the Cattermole Slough to Third Avenue.
It will be dismantled and hauled away by district staff over the next few days. Derelict vessels have marred the Squamish landscape for years. Lack of regulation or clear jurisdiction has only worsened the problem.
Over the last few years, local stream keepers and community minded citizens have removed several derelict boats from the Mamquam Blind Channel and the Cattermole Slough.
The removal of boathouse now is part of district’s Marine Action Strategy (MASt), which was developed in 2018 to address local marine issues such as unauthorized mooring and derelict vessels.
Enforcement and compliance to protect local waterways, including dealing with derelict vessels is also a key consideration of the district’s marine strategy.
District said the current effort highlights the benefits of coordinating with partner agencies in keeping local shorelines clean.
Last year, the federal government also passed the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act.
The new law prohibits vessel abandonment, increases the owner’s liability for vessels, and enables the federal government to remove problem vessels.
Those who don’t comply with the new law will be penalised with fines that can run up to $50,000 for individuals and $250,000 for companies or corporations.
The maximum fine is $1 million for individuals and $6 million for companies and corporations.
Last year, the government also launched a strategy to address the problem by funding programs to support coastal communities in removing abandoned vessels.
