Our Harbour: Safety and Tourism

By Elodie Adams

Members of the JBNA who attended the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority's monthly board meeting February 18 were left wondering what actions would be forthcoming regarding safety in the inner harbour.

In the wake of recent communications between the JBNA and the GVHA, representative members of the association voiced their concerns at the meeting over safety issues in the harbour. Their concerns were stoked by the September 2010 publication of a study done by QualaTech Aero Consulting Ltd.: Requirements for a Safety Case, Air and Water Operations, Victoria Harbour.

Although this isn't the only issue that was discussed during the hour-long public session, the subject of float planes in the inner harbour is a touchy one with some James Bay residents, according to Marg Bridgman. Because of the noise, pollution and general threats to safety due to increased traffic in the air waterway, Bridgman says that members of the JBNA are in agreement with the report to withdraw the support of having a sea plane aerodrome.

Brian Hobbs, who attended the meeting on behalf of the Victoria Harbour Ferries, was quick to point out that the report does support air operations in the harbour. Hobbs finds that the report is often misquoted, and said that it is an economic necessity to have a working harbour.

"Our harbour is not as unsafe as some of us might fear; in fact, we are proud of our record," Hobbs said. "Although," he added, "there are standards where admittedly, some gaps need to be addressed."

Other topics that were addressed during the meeting were: tourism and the 2011 cruise season; the dredging and blasting project on the north side of Pier B; and the ongoing inquiry over the stability of the SS Beaver, currently moored adjacent to the Inner Harbour.

The ship that underwent a $1-million overhaul in 2008, seems to be a bone of contention in 2011. The requested stability report is still not available, and with word that the owner couldn't be reached because he is out of town, audible "tutting" was heard from those who consider that their business is being affected by the ship's presence, apparently an eyesore on the horizon.

After receiving approval from the Esquimalt and Songhees First Nations, the blasting and dredging work that needed to be done in preparation for the cruise season should be completed in time for the March 31, 2011 deadline for funding.

The GVHA anticipates another stellar cruise season, with a total of 210 visits scheduled. Two new callers will be added to the list of cruise lines that dock at Victoria's port this summer, Disney Wonder and Crystal Symphony.

The cruise ship business continues to be an important source of revenue for Victoria's tourism as well as for the GVHA. To maintain a place in the public eye, the Authority will have two booths at the Seatrade Cruise Convention in Miami Beach, Florida, this March.