Fisherman’s Wharf Gets a Facelift:

By Elodie Adams

The old is out and the new is in at Fisherman's Wharf, at least as far as moorage for small pleasure craft is concerned. With two environmentally-friendly docks replacing fingers 4, 5, 6 & 7 of the old configuration, Victoria's Harbour Authority anticipates the new docks will be able to double the moorage capacity.

This means a potential increase of $200,000 in additional moorage revenue per year, which, in a few years will make a substantial contribution toward the overall Phase III cost of the Fisherman's Wharf upgrades, $950,000.

It is also the first location in western Canada to install this technology at a marina. The manufacturer, Poralu Marine, has been selling its products for 25 years to marinas in countries in Europe, Australia and the U.K., among others. The good news is that Poralu Marine is a Canadian company, located in St. Eustache, Quebec (and not China!).

It may seem contradictory to common sense for a marina to use a product other than wood for its docks: wood is easy to obtain in B.C. and forestry remains our prime industry. However, as a material for marina docks, wood ages, is damaged by water, and inevitably requires fixing or replacing.

The new docks, or floats, made of plastic and aluminum, are held in place by anchors drilled into the seabed at various points underneath the pontoon and slips. Victoria-based commercial divers from Advanced Subsea Services executed the installation recently.

The honey-beige surface of the float resembles the lace edges of a florentine cookie - but GVHA manager of operations Ian Crocker seemed confident in the practicality and sturdiness of the floats when answering queries on the day of their official installation.

According to Poralu's website, the aluminum they produce is an alloy that is strengthened in the manufacturing process, is resistant to corrosion, and provides a long term economical and ecological alternative to other technologies.

Other improvements destined to make Fisherman's Wharf a unique marine tourist destination include an improved fish loading area, improved signage and pedestrian walkways, bike racks, shoreline beautification and a floating washroom facility.