As part of its earlier announced efforts to address the problem of abandoned boats across Canadian coastlines, the Government of Canada announced the most recent applicants to receive funding under the Abandoned Boats Program. This program provides money to support the assessment, removal, and disposal of abandoned boats in Canadian waters.
A total of $31,346 will be provided to remove six boats that litter the shores of British Columbia. Recipients are:
- Bowen Island Municipality (Bowen Island) – $5,250
- Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (Vancouver) – $6,411
- Salish Sea Industrial Services (Victoria) – $19,685
Under the Abandoned Boats Program, a total of $6.85 million will be allocated under the Oceans Protection Plan—a $1.5 billion initiative which is the largest investment ever made to protect Canada’s coasts and waterways.
This national strategy is creating a world-leading marine safety system that provides economic opportunities for Canadians today, while protecting our coastlines for generations to come. The strategy is being developed in close collaboration with Indigenous peoples, local stakeholders, and coastal communities.
With the Abandoned Boats Program, the Government of Canada has made a meaningful investment to help clean up local communities. Congratulations to the successful applicants for working with us to keep British Columbia beautiful, and to address environmental pollution and hazards to navigation caused by these abandoned wrecks,
…said Joyce Murray, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government, announcing the funds.
Since 31 May 2017, the Abandoned Boats Program has launched three calls for proposals for projects to be funded through grants and contributions, the most recent of which will remain open until 31 March 2019. To date, funding has been approved for the assessment of 86 boats for a total of $265,060, and for the removal of 20 boats for a total of $136,746.
To help stem the flow of problem vessels, the Government of Canada has also proposed new legislation. The Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act (Bill C-64) will increase vessel owner liability, and strengthen the Government’s response in cases where owners do not behave responsibly with regards to disposal of their boats.
Other important measures undertaken by the Government of Canada include improving vessel owner identification, creating an inventory of vessels and assessing their risks, and establishing a polluter pays approach for vessel clean-up.