Correspondence: Dorothy Chambers re: Municipal Boat Issues - Gorge Waterway
Email summarizing concerns about historical plans for boat paths and impacts on eel grass beds.
From: Dorothy Chambers dotmot@shaw.ca Sent: April-12-16 11:32 AM To: Subject: Municipal boat issues, Gorge Waterway
a note to Ministry of the Environment after discussions this morning. http://oceanriver.com/the-capital-region-marine-trail-get-involved/
On the proposed plans to raise money for kayaking tours by private enterprise into the estuaries, they talk of wanting a boat tow path under the Gorge Bridge, where the reversing falls are.... State, there was one there 50 - 100 years or more ago. Long before the city moved into all wildlife refuge areas.
I spoke with an Esquimalt councillor about 8 years ago about concerns for that project being rekindled.... again, solely for private interest groups to take their boats more easily at tide changes. Was told the following information....1. it would not be a liability the municipality would want to take on. 2. serious eel grass beds in the area would be at risk. 3. Why would we WANT to INCREASE accessibility for boaters up into the further fragile reaches of the estuaries? Now, the view royal councillor and kayaking groups are revisiting the issue for their “for profit” endeavours.
And, horror expressed that we now have water skiers, sea doo’s, and motorized boats in Portage Inlet. MOE response, What has happened with the old waterways speed rule? No craft allowed to exceed a certain low speed, 5k/hr. This was also in place to protect the eel grass from being damaged.
