Crackdown on derelict boats on Vancouver Island

It’s been a problem in Vancouver’s False Creek and Burrard Inlet near Port Moody.

Derelict boats and buoys are the subject of a crackdown on Vancouver Island.

The long-time issue with the illegal mooring of vessels and bouys is now facing enforcement.

In coordination with Transport Canada, Oak Bay Police began issuing warning notices to the illegal vessels.

Of the 65 originally addressed, only about 12 are still not in line with the Canada shipping act’s private buoy regulations.

That puts them into the “navigational hazard” category, where action is required.

Other areas along the coast are only seeing the problem grow.

Complaints roll in about the live-aboards on abandoned boats in the Gorge.

But no city bylaw can solve the problem as the waterways are federal jurisdiction.

No matter who is technically responsible, Oak Bay Police plan on following up until all buoys and vessel are in accordance with the regulations.

– with files from Kylie Stanton