Re: “C. Saanich seeks fair use of Brentwood Bay,” comment, Dec. 29.
I would like to point out to Central Saanich Mayor Ryan Windsor that under Section 7 of the Central Saanich official community plan, the OCP does not support liveaboards or float-homes at this time unless it can be shown that sewage is not a problem. This applies to all of Central Saanich, not just Brentwood Bay.
Yes, this major bylaw would need to be amended before liveaboards and/or float-homes could be incorporated into the proposed Open Moorage Plan within the proposed licence of occupation of Brentwood Bay.
There has been no detailed seasonal testing of the waters of Brentwood Bay, nor of the associated storm drains that flow into it, to eliminate the possibility of sewage contamination, as is happening in Victoria with the closure of many public beaches.
Abandoned boats, not necessarily derelict, are being dealt with federally under the new ocean-protection legislation and thus the need for a licence of occupation and a designated sewage area for Brentwood Bay seems ill-advised at this time.
John Evans
Liveaboard
