WHEREAS in 2012 UBCM endorsed a resolution to call upon the federal and provincial governments to implement a derelict vessel removal program modeled after the Washington State program and to designate the Canadian Coast Guard as the receiver of wrecked vessels in the case of every abandoned or derelict vessel in the waters of coastal British Columbia; AND WHEREAS the District of Squamish and other coastal communities continue to have issues with derelict vessels that are causing harm to the coastal marine environment: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities strongly encourage the federal and provincial governments to immediately implement a derelict vessel removal program modeled after the Washington State program, and to designate the Canadian Coast Guard as the receiver of wrecked vessels in the case of every abandoned or derelict vessel in the waters of coastal British Columbia.
Ministry of Forests, Lands Natural Resource Operations Dealing with unauthorized float homes, abandoned vessels and derelict structures near public waterways is a complex, time-consuming and costly process that often involves multiple agencies and levels of government. Government does not have the authority to make the kind of regulatory changes sought by this resolution. Federal authorities are the lead agency regarding structures or vessels that obstruct maritime navigation or pose a threat to spawning beds or the environment. When a vessel runs aground or sinks on provincial Crown land, federal authorities remain the lead agency. If the structure in question is not recognized as a vessel, then Government has jurisdiction to act. Often, provincial and federal agencies work together to deal with abandoned vessels on a priority basis, beginning with those that pose an immediate threat to navigation, safety or the environment. Government has worked with other stakeholders on a paper clarifying the roles of federal, provincial and local authorities in addressing abandoned structures and derelict vessels. This will help agencies encountering challenges with derelict vessels to determine an appropriate response. The paper is publicly available on the Ministrys website: http:www.for.gov.bc.calandtenuresderelictvessels.html