Summary of Report dated Jan 21, 2016 regarding the Derelict Boats washed up in Cadboro Bay by Paul Thorkelsson, Saanich CAO:

On Dec 5, a concrete live-aboard vessel washed ashore during a storm. Owner was attempting to relocate boat from Esquimalt Harbour to mooring area on Oak Bay side of the bay when it came loose. During same storm a number of other vessels broke loose and most ended up on Oak Bay shore but a yellow hulled fiberglass sailboat also ended up on Saanich side of the bay.

Owner of concrete boat could not afford to remove and dispose of boat and gave Saanich permission to dispose of vessel. Staff attempted to contact owner of yellow hulled sailboat without success.

Municipality received numerous complaints regarding the vessels. Concern regarding diesel that would leak from concrete boat. Coast Guard drained fuel. Complaints also about unsightliness of vessels, garbage strewn from them and potential danger to children playing on beach.

No single government agency responsible to remove such vessels. Municipality not responsible but occasionally will do so when other agencies do not respond.

Neither Coast Guard nor M of Forests would assist with finances to remove vessels due to their tight funding.

Quote from contractor to remove vessels for $12,700 plus $1700 dump charge. Also further environmental cleanup may also need to be done.

CAO agreed that boats created eyesore and hazard on one of municipality’s foremost recreation areas . Not likely that other government agency would act to do cleanup.

CAO suggested that municipality take an ‘active’ role with such incidents and council be asked to approve a supplemental budget request in the 2016 Engineering budget for $50,000 to remove such vessels.

He recommended Saanich proceed with cleanup, after obtaining owners’ permission, but still continue to ask Coast Guard and M of Forests to assist with the expense.

For photos of the final removal process on Feb 16, see web address below

Website: http://cadborobayra.tumblr.com/post/139439368104/derelict-boats-removed-today-by-saanich