Ladysmith boaters are watching anxiously now that talks are underway between the town and Stz’uminus First Nation about the future use of the water lot that’s now home to a non-profit community marina.
Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone said Friday in a statement that he is in discussions with Chief John Elliot of the Stz’uminus First Nation and they expect to release a joint statement in the next few days. “It would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time,” he said.
The water lot is owned by the province, which agreed under a 2022 reconciliation agreement to transfer its lease to the First Nation.
The lease is now held by the town, which has an agreement with the Ladysmith Maritime Society to operate the community marina.
The town gave the society notice in late 2022 that it had until the end of 2023 to remove its $5 million worth of infrastructure, including docks, from the water lot, a society official said.
So far, a new lease agreement has not been reached between the society and the nation. The nation has not commented on its plans.
The society is hoping the marina can remain in the location where it’s been for nearly 40 years. Thousands of volunteer hours have been invested in the marina, its assets and in education and cultural programs, the society says.
About 3,500 visiting boaters stop at the marina annually, according to the society.
Martin Tang, one of about 170 boaters who moor at the marina on an annual basis, worries about what will happen if the society is evicted, given the lack of other options. “There is nowhere for us to go,” said Tang, who moors his 37-foot sailboat at the facility.
Boaters worry they might have to moor in the harbour if they’re evicted from the marina.
Tang said he recently came across an older couple who live in one of a dozen liveaboard vessels at the marina and are afraid they will lose their home. “They were literally crying because they had nowhere to go.”
Moorage rates at the non-profit facility are typically a little lower than at other marinas. But Tang said it isn’t cheap moorage that attracts boaters but the sense of community.
The society runs programs to attract young people to boating, offers live music featuring local musicians and stages festivals through the summer.
“The marina is a good example of true community spirit. … Everybody looks out for each other,” said Tang, an active volunteer.
If a boater is having difficulty, others will quickly help out, he said.
Tang, who owns Appetit Food For Thought restaurant in Ladysmith, recently volunteered his cooking skills at a volunteer clean-up event.
A public meeting has been arranged by marina supporters for May 3 at 6 p.m. at the Aggie Hall, 110 First Ave. for an update.
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