The directors of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) have decided not to support a proposed private boat moorage at the Furry Creek foreshore, given the constraints and issues surrounding the area.
At their Monday (March 23) meeting, the board members voted that the area should not be used for boat moorage and structures that have been placed on SLRD property should be removed within 60 days.
The other two parts of the resolution supported by the board said that the Oliver's Landing Boat and Kayak Club should not install a kayak launch platform until they have presented a detailed proposal for approval by the SLRD board and other agencies, and that the SLRD shouldn't pursue tenure or support tenure applications from other parties, "given the sediment containment area and fisheries habitat constraints of the site."
Some SLRD directors said they wanted to see the longstanding issue resolved, and they were concerned about the liabilities for the board.
According to a November 2007 staff report, a Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) letter said that due to fish habitat features in the shoreline area and on the banks and bed of the basin, "DFO is not prepared to allow placement of floats, boats or other vessels or structures in the embayment (basin) as permanent adverse impacts to fish habitat would result."
The SLRD Administrator's comments in the report said moorage facilities in the area would increase costs of maintaining the sediment containment area, and would put the infrastructure and private boats at risk, "both imposing potential cost and liability."
Electoral Area D Director John Turner wondered if community members could be given a chance to address the board before a decision is made, since there are two points of view on this particular issue.
SLRD Chief Administrative Officer Paul Edgington said the SLRD has received correspondence from locals who are concerned about having the dock due to "a variety of issues," including questions of safety and public access.
"We'll take steps to enforce the board's direction," Edgington said. He said he understands the dock has been taken out for the winter, but staff will ensure it won't be put in again. He added that SLRD staff will work with the community to set up some kind of safe way for people to get in and out of the water with their kayaks and canoes.
