Derelict vessels are the target of an Island group, awaiting government funding to remove upwards of 150 boats on and around Vancouver Island. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

clean coasts

Island derelict vessel society awaiting government funding to remove 150 vessels from local waters

Jun 5, 2023 | 5:28 AM

NANAIMO — John Rowe admits, for now at least, it’s hurry up and wait. But he’s hoping this summer will see him spend considerable time in the water.

Rowe heads up the Dead Boat Disposal Society, which has active applications in with the government to remove upwards of 150 sunken or otherwise derelict boats from nearby coastal waters.

He said many are ones they couldn’t get to during their last round of funding.

“They’re left over from our contract before, they didn’t fund us for additional removal so they’ve been sitting around for a while. We’re looking forward, we’re not giving up by any means and we’re working with the federal government on another application too for a significant amount.”

Announced in Parksville earlier this week, $25 million is now available for groups like Rowe’s to continue their work.

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Rowe is hopeful to hear about his application into the program in the next week or so and admitted the provincial process was “hurry up and wait”.

Requested funding will help the group tackle 47 boats in the Baines Sound, Lasquetti and Cortes Island areas.

An application with the federal government for a larger amount of money is also in the works and he expects to hear from them shortly as well.

It’s a process he’d like to avoid, but there are few options.

“We have to rely on government. I seriously tried over the last 30 years to not, but the reality is you have to do a lot of pop bottle drives to get rid of one boat.”

The Society works across Vancouver Island, from Port Renfrew to Alert Bay.

Rowe works with and maintains close relationships with area First Nations, ensuring they’re receptive to his work.

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