Recently, 2 boats were removed from Telegraph Harbour.
These 2 boats were deemed abandoned by Transport Canada. According to TC Navigable waters protection officer, John Henwood, notices were placed on these boats informing the owners to contact them within 30 days - notices were also placed in the newspaper. The owners did not respond to these notices. Transport Canada arranged for their removal with the recently funded Abandoned Boat Program
Thetis was among one of the first communities in 2023, to have boats removed under this new program. The Dead Boats Disposal Society is funded through this program and Trade Winds Boat Recycling has been contracted to remove the boats on Thetis.
The Abandoned Boats Program is part of the Government of Canada’s National Strategy to Address Wrecked and Abandoned Vessels, which introduced multiple measures to reduce the number of abandoned and wrecked vessels that pose hazards
“Abandoned and wrecked vessels pose a threat to the safety of our waters, yet too many of them remain in our waters today. That’s why I’m proud to announce the launch of a new call for proposals under the Abandoned Boats Program. This program will support the assessment, removal, and safe disposal of these hazardous vessels. Today’s announcement marks another step in our commitment to keeping our community waters cleaner and safer for Canadians through the Oceans Protection Plan.”
The Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport
The Volunteer Group - Thetis Island Marine Association (TIMA) - Did not request that these boats be removed nor were they informed about the removal by Transport Canada.
Moorings
TIMA is in the process of putting together a list of moorings and attaching names of current "owners" of the moorings.
It is a Transport Canada requirement that all moorings be properly marked with name and contact information of the owner.
Many moorings have had ownership transfers and not are not marked with the new owner information. There are several moorings that are abandoned and creating problems for boaters. As was the case this weekend, off of Telegraph Harbour. A boat was fouled up in lines and the mooring line was cut. There was no name on the float attached to the mooring.
Another problem is people using moorings without the owner's knowledge. Recently, a boat sank that was attached to a mooring without the owner's consent. Sadly, the mooring went down with the boat - which to date has not been salvaged.
Please make sure your moorings are checked and updated .
Thanks,
Thetis Island Marine Association
Lynda Poirier