The unregulated placement of private mooring buoys (PMBs) and proliferation of long-term moored boats, along with an increase in derelict, abandoned and wrecked boats in many bays and harbours throughout the region, persists as an ongoing concern for several municipalities, communities and residents.
This situation has significant environmental implications, including the potential sinking of derelict vessels, water contamination, shoreline debris accumulation, and improper waste disposal from long-term liveaboards. Managing these challenges is compounded by jurisdictional complexities among government agencies.
Derelict, Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels
Abandoned and neglected boats impact the health and safety of our shorelines, especially if fuel, chemicals or garbage are leaking into the marine environment.
If you see a boat that looks abandoned, you can help. Snap a photo, jot down the boat’s location and send these details to:
Your privacy will be protected and personal info will not be shared. The more info you can provide, the better. If possible include:
- Pictures, name, number, phone # or contact info on the boat
- General location, beached, substrate, buoy or anchored
- Length & width, type of material (wood, fiberglass, steel, cement)
Together, we can reduce this environmental and public safety risk by removing abandoned boats from our waterways and, as responsible boat owners, by preventing vessels from abandonment and degradation in the future. Boats and their components should be safely disposed of or recycled at their end of life.
Many have already been safely removed and disposed of in the region and more are currently being assessed and in the queue for federal removal funding. The success of this program is due to the amazing participation of residents.
Private Mooring Buoys
The proliferation of boats in bays and harbours of the Capital Region is largely being driven by the unregulated installation and placement of Private Mooring Buoys (PMBs).
What can you do?
If you see a vessel that appears abandoned or wrecked that is onshore, afloat or sunk, please contact Dead Boats Disposal Society.
Helpful information includes:
- Exact location
- Vessel name and description
- License number or other identifier
- How long it’s been in that location
- Photos
Regional Workshop: Collaborative Action to Resolve Boat-Related Issues in the Capital Region
At the January 17, 2024 meeting, Capital Regional District Board received a report outlining the scope of boat related issues and provided options for the regulation of private mooring buoys (PMBs) that are within the scope of local government control for consideration. The Board directed staff to host a regional workshop to discuss these options and determine if a coordinated strategy is needed.
The CRD Regional Workshop: Collaborative Action to Resolve Boat-Related Issues in the Capital Region, held on April 30, 2024, brought together First Nations, municipal staff, elected officials as well as provincial government staff to review options to reduce or eliminate issues associated with a proliferation of boats and unregulated placement of PMBs in the capital region.
The workshop aimed to meet the following goals:
- Discuss the proposed local government options to determine if a coordinated strategy is needed
- Determine appropriate locations to address the apparent need for long-term boat storage, and
- Identify opportunities for regional advocacy to provincial and federal governments to assist local government in providing resolution to ongoing boat issues in the region.
The workshop was hosted virtually and in person by the CRD and was attended by 57 local government, First Nations, and provincial staff and council members. A package of information was provided to all participants in advance of the workshop (Appendix A). This report provides an overview of the workshop, local government options considered, highlights six themes that emerged and considers possible next steps.
Read the Summary Report [DOCX/10.9MB] from the Workshop.