A commentary by the executive director of the Ladysmith Maritime Society.
For nearly four decades, the Ladysmith Community Marina stood as a beacon of pride, attracting international and regional boaters, and offering residents and visitors a cherished place to gather, enjoy maritime heritage, and experience the beauty of our waterfront.
It was more than just a marina; it was the heart of our community — a vital economic engine and a symbol of our town’s vibrant spirit. But that heart has been ripped out by the very institutions that should have protected it.
The Province of British Columbia and the Town of Ladysmith, in a devastating act of betrayal, unilaterally terminated valid contracts, evicted the Ladysmith Maritime Society (LMS), and confiscated marina assets worth about $6 million — assets that were painstakingly built and maintained by our community, over decades, primarily by volunteers.
These actions have left the LMS, a charitable society dedicated to maritime heritage and educational programs, without its principal revenue stream of $1 million per year, crippling its ability to serve the community.
The repercussions of this loss are staggering. Recreational boating, a multi-billion-dollar industry in British Columbia, has been dealt a severe blow.
The marina was a jewel in B.C.’s coastal crown, drawing thousands of visitors, to our community, annually. These tourism dollars stimulated local businesses, and put Ladysmith on the map as a premier destination for boaters.
The loss of this community facility not only impacts our local economy but sends a chilling message across the sector: no community asset is safe from government overreach.
We are mere weeks away from a provincial election — a critical moment to demand accountability and action.
Politicians caused this dilemma for Ladysmith, and politicians must fix it.
The people of Ladysmith deserve a replacement — a new water lot, and the funding necessary to establish a new community marina. This is not just a matter of economic survival; it is a matter of justice for a community that has been wronged.
In addition, corrective actions to establish a new community marina from the ground up present a unique opportunity for inclusive community building.
By engaging the Stz’uminus First Nation alongside the broader Ladysmith community, this approach could foster a cooperative effort that contrasts sharply with the province’s previous heavy-handed and exclusive actions.
Together, we can create an exemplary model of collaboration in the Ladysmith Harbour, uniting all members of our community on both sides of the harbour.
The question now is: Which political leader will step up? Which party will commit to righting this wrong?
The answers to these questions could very well change the outcome of the election in the Ladysmith-Oceanside riding.
It’s time for action, and it’s time for answers.
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