The future of Port Moody's harbour will be the subject of an open house next week.
The city of Port Moody, along with Port Metro Vancouver which is responsible for the harbour, is proposing a new strategy it says will provide fair, equitable and safe access to the inlet by way of a designated anchorage area.
"We have long-standing concerns with abandoned or derelict boats in the harbour, especially anything that might have environmental impacts," said Port Moody Mayor Mike Clay.
He points to live-aboards that might be discharging sewage into Burrard Inlet or abandoned vessels that could be blown onto the rocks, spilling oil and gas.
"And we've had concerns from a number of neighbours that think the growing number of boats - I think we're at 40 boats now - is an eyesore," said Clay.
The proposal from the port is to establish an area where moorage would be allowed and have the city manage the site and keep track of vessel registration. That proposal could eventually be used as a template for other areas with similar problems such as Deep Cove and Bowen Island.
The city is now looking to open consultations with the public through the open house set for Monday, Nov. 4 from 7-9 p.m. at Old Orchard Hall at 646 Bentley Rd. in Port Moody.
"Particularly, we want to get in touch with all those residents on the north shore to make sure that if their boats are out there, what they expect. Because some of them are like, 'Get all those boats out of there, except for mine.' We need to make sure that they understand that the rules will apply to everybody," said Clay.
Those who can't attend the open house can still learn about the proposed plan and provide feedback at the website www.portmoody.ca/harbour. The deadline for public input is Nov. 12.
