Dredging has started in Victoria Harbour to prepare the seabed off Songhees for the luxury 29-slip Victoria International Marina.
A total of 18,000 cubic metres of material will be hauled up from the seabed in front of Songhees. The seabed is covered with old bark on top of clay.
The dredging will take six to eight weeks, Anthony Utley, Victoria International Marina sales manager, said in an email.
Once dredging it completed, pilings will be driven into the seabed, Utley said. That work is expected for run for about a month. Pilings are needed to provide support for two commercial buildings built above the water, and for other marine infrastructure.
The $22-million marina is targeting the high end of the boating world, offering slips for vessels from 65 to 150 feet long.
Promotional information on its website says the marina will offer a concierge service, state-of-the-art utility connections, and access to a nearby fitness facility.
Utley has said that construction will take about 15 months.
Bob Evans, an early developer of Songhees, has partnered with a group of Vancouver investors to build the marina under the name Community Marine Concepts Ltd.
The start of construction follows intense public debate over the suitability of the marina in Victoria Harbour. The number of slips was reduced by half as opponents rallied against the marina, maintaining it would affect views, it was too big and would reduce safety in a busy harbour filled with everything from paddlers to the large Coho ferry.
Proponents said the marina would support the local marine industry, boost tourism, increase the city’s profile, and inject money into the local economy through spending by well-heeled boaters and their guests.s
