The Capital Regional District is looking for additional federal funding to remove derelict vessels from local waterways.
CRD directors Wednesday agreed to write to Transportation Minister Marc Garneau to ask that removal and disposal costs of derelict boats be fully funded by the federal government.
Colin Plant, CRD board chairman, said that due in part to residents who continue to report abandoned boats, the CRD has been able to identify almost twice as many derelict vessels than it has funding to remove.
The CRD, which works in partnership with the non-profit Dead Boat Disposal Society to assess and remove abandoned boats, received a $50,000 grant through the federal Abandoned Boats Program in 2018. To date, 40 vessels have been removed, with an estimated additional 30 to 35 boats reported for assessment.
Transport Canada provides 100 per cent of assessment costs, but only 75 per cent of removal and disposal costs.
The CRD’s portion of removal and disposal costs is estimated at $150,000 to $200,000, which would come from funds set aside for marine-related debris disposal.
