Brentwood Bay action responds to concerns

Re: “Central Saanich: Stay out of Brentwood Bay,” comment, Aug. 12. The author suggests that Central Saanich is applying for a licence of occupation for Brentwood Bay because some residents do not like the look of the boats moored in the bay.

In fact, Central Saanich is applying for a licence to address community concerns over several issues, including the pollution of the bay by sewage, vessel numbers and speed, derelict boats and the proliferation of buoys.

The citizens who responded to a survey (many of whom are not waterfront owners) overwhelmingly expressed a concern that these issues be dealt with. The Tsartlip First Nation is supporting the municipality’s application.

Contrary to what the author states, “all” the boats do not have holding tanks, and the boats that do have holding tanks do not get pumped out on a regular basis. We have been advised by two organizations that over 16 years they are aware of only three occasions when liveaboards in Brentwood Bay (not tied up to a dock) have used their pump-out services.

The author suggests that the licence could cost the municipality millions of dollars, in that it would be taking on costs currently assumed by other levels of government. This is not correct. The licence would give Central Saanich the right to regulate and restrict the number and placement of mooring buoys in Brentwood Bay.

This does not mean that the municipality would be assuming other governments’ responsibilities. The intention is to apply a user-pay philosophy.

The licence would, therefore, be revenue/cost neutral. Allan Adams President, Central Saanich Maritime Society Brentwood Bay