Kayak Squamish Sustainably: Explore with Blind Channel’s Eco-Friendly Marina
A local company, Squamish Marina, has applied for a water tenure application to allow a ‘small eco-friendly marina’ on a water lot at Mamquam Blind Channel. The marina will provide moorage space for inflatable watercrafts along with first-ever water kayak storage, kayak and boat rentals. A new paddling club is also planned.
The water lot is on Mamquam Blind Channel, close to the Sirrocco development in Downtown Squamish.
According to the proponents, the marina will provide access for locals and tourists to the Blind Channel, Squamish River, and Howe Sound. Public will have access to equipment and watercraft rental for water-based activities.
Daniel Grains, the owner of Squamish Marina, said the company also plans to create an all-seasons paddling club, where people can become a member and rent a kayak through out the season. “We are an aboriginal local family and we are working hard to create experiences around watersports for local community and tourists. Our watersports centre will be one of the most refined and will offer kite boarding, boat rental with direct access to water,” he said.
“Our plans are supported by members of the Squamish City Council in an effort to promote eco-tourism in Squamish. Furthermore, Squamish Tourism and Squamish Chamber of Commerce also support us in an effort to promote eco marine tourism in the district. Our business is very aligned with the effort of the district of Squamish council to make Squamish the center of eco-tourism in the province.
The proposal has smaller footprint than the former tenured marina. “The marina will not have the need for electricity, and there will be no refuelling at the dock as all inflatable boats have portable gas tank making it easy to refuel off-site. The new dock will also be built off-site and secured to two existing pilings without disturbing marine life. The project design incorporates details to minimize the impact to environment,” the application notes.
