By Ian Holmes

‘We’re disappointed:’ Gabriola Island group irked by lack of anchorage consultations

Aug 24, 2018 | 10:40 AM

NANAIMO — While the federal government creates a national strategy for large anchorages outside local port authorities, a Gabriola Island group is expressing frustration with the process.

Transport Canada confirmed with NanaimoNewsNOW an interim anchorage strategy, which includes Gabriola Island, was extended in early August for one year. The interim protocol to monitor large freighters off Gabriola is a stop-gap measure before a formal strategy is adopted.

Chris Straw, president of Gabriolans Against Freighter Anchorages, said earlier pledges of detailed public consultations have not materialized, which he said is a position shared by others on the south coast, including First Nations groups.

“They (Transport Canada) are still saying that’s going to happen, but the clock’s ticking and if they want to introduce legislation to fix this situation I think they’re already way behind in terms of any realistic time frame.”

Transport Canada informed NanaimoNewsNOW the interim anchorage plan off Gabriola Island involves collecting basic data, such as when freighters come and go, as well as the impacts of noise and light pollution.

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Straw said the real issue is understanding why there is so much overflow of large freighters anchored off Gabriola waiting to go to the Port of Vancouver. He said some of the vessels park off the island’s west side for more than a month at a time.

“Why are they not able to manage the supply chain and the traffic flow in a way that doesn’t cause all of this extra parking time, which is bad for communities and bad for the industry too.”

A Transport Canada statement acknowledged concerns about the interim protocol and it is taking concerns seriously.

“We also recognize the importance of ongoing communication and dialogue and are working to improve public and stakeholder engagement in the coming months,” the statement said.

A plan to formally establish five spaces for large freighters spanning most of the east side of Gabriola Island was first introduced in 2015.

That plan was later suspended by the Liberal government, who announced an anchorages strategy would fall under the Oceans Protection Plan.

Straw said he supports a formalized anchorage strategy, but also people need to be aware it will have an impact on the southern Gulf Islands.

“It’s probably going to happen in the next six months and now is the time for people’s voices to be heard.”

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes