Editor:
Regarding the “charge barge” proposed for Gibsons.
If the Town of Gibsons and the Gibsons Harbour Authority want to invest in new infrastructure, why not something that is needed now?
The majority of the moored vessels are larger than trailerable size, the rest need to be hauled out for regular maintenance and repair. A haul out facility is needed. Currently, these people and their vessels need to go at least 22km away to Eagle Harbour in West Vancouver, but many must go further...Pender Harbour, Vancouver, Richmond, Nanaimo, even Van Anda and Lund. This is money leaving the Coast. Boats constantly need to be bottom painted, zinc replacement, thru hull/prop/shaft repair, hull repair, etc. This represents hundreds if not thousands of dollars for each boat spent at marine supply shops.
While I’m all for alternative methods to power our vehicles and vessels, how many electric vessels are plying our waters?
Aside from the two new Vancouver Harbour tugs, I can’t name one.
If Greenline Ferries want this, by all means, let them. But let’s be realistic, more boat owners and operators need a haul-out facility.
Brian Klassen
Halfmoon Bay
