The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is looking at ways to reduce taxation, and one option currently being examined is the concept of dock divestiture.
SCRD staff held the first of a series of open house meetings on May 30 at the Gibsons and Area Community Centre to gauge community input.
Further meetings were held later in the week in Halfmoon Bay, Keats and Gambier islands and in West Vancouver.
The dock divestiture concept was originally discussed during the SCRD's 2009 budget talks regarding cost reductions. Gambier Island's Port Graves dock was identified as a candidate for divestiture, subject to feedback from the Public Wharves Advisory Committee (PWAC).
The PWAC then recommended a review of all docks, narrowing down the evaluation to four, consisting of Gambier's Port Graves, Halkett Bay, West Bay and Thormanby Island's Vaucroft dock.
Brian Sagman, SCRD transportation and facilities manager, and Cal Bowles, transit and ports manager, presented at the open house. Starting with an historical timeline of the divestiture concept, Sagman explained how criteria and ratings were designed to measure the relative importance of each dock to the community. Rated on a scale of one to five, the higher rates reflect a dock that is more valuable to the community. Rates are based on the following criteria: service impacts, alternative/emergency access, public access, level and types of use, existing and potential revenue, economic impact, and market value.
The rating system is also based on costs that include annual maintenance (from 2007 - '09), capital (2007 - '09) and planned repair (2011 - '14).
As for the process, Sagman described it as extensive, but focused on gathering information with recognition for the need to consult the public.
"The objective is to obtain information on community impacts that we have not yet recognized or that have not been adequately assessed," said Sagman.
While only a small group of people attended the Monday open house, Sagman and Bowles encouraged questions and feedback on the presentation. Concerns were raised on a number of issues such as funding, community growth, and possible overloading of other docks.
Sagman told the attendees the open house was only the beginning step in the process.
"At this point, it's all discussion, comments and evaluation," he said.
Following the open houses, feedback will be collected and taken back to the SCRD board for further discussion.
