[Nancy More]

Good morning, I stumbled on a change to camping in the Broken Group last weekend and thought others might be interested.    You now need a National Park Pass, a camping permit, and a reservation.    The info below is from the Parks Canada Website.  https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/pacificrim/activ/visit4c/activ4
<h3>National Park Entry Pass</h3>
All visitors to Pacific Rim NPR are required to have a valid National Park Entry Pass at all times while they are visiting the national park reserve. The exception is youth (17 years of age and younger) who have free entry into all of Parks Canada’s places. This means that in addition to requiring a valid Broken Group Islands Backcountry Camping Permit, all visitors 18 years of age and older are also required to have a valid National Park Entry Pass.

The revenue from national park entry fees remains within the Coastal BC Field Unit to support the services and facilities that all visitors enjoy (including campsite facilities and amenities, visitor safety, signs, programs, etc.). The Broken Group Islands Backcountry Camping Permits do not include the national park entry fees, so you need to have a valid camping permit and a valid National Park Entry Pass at all times.
<h3>Backcountry camping permits and fees</h3>
Anyone camping in the Broken Group Islands must have a backcountry camping permit. Backcountry camping permits are $9.80 per person per night from May through September. Backcountry camping permits are only available through the Parks Canada Reservation System. No spaces will be available for stand-by (first come first serve).

To reserve call 1-877-RESERVE or visit http://www.reservation.pc.gc.ca. Reservations are available on January 8, 2018 at 8 a.m. PST. Payment can be made by VISA, MasterCard, or American Express.

When making a reservation, have the following ready:

• Preferred camping dates – first choice and alternate date
• Preferred camping locations – preferred and alternate islands
• Point of access location; where you will begin paddling from
• Number of campers in your group (maximum group size is 12)
• Email address to send confirmation and information to
• Means of payment: Visa, MasterCard or American Express

 

I have no idea how fast they will fill up, but I’d book early.

[Nick Heath]

Danielle Jang of the Port Authority issued this clarification yesterday:

“Below is some information and clarification on the proposed amendments. Let me know if you have any questions on this or need further information.
Thanks,
Danielle”

“Ensuring the safe navigation of all vessels through the waterways in our jurisdiction is of paramount importance to the port authority. Over the last few years, we have been working with industry partners, including the Pacific Pilotage Authority (PPA), the Fraser River Pilots (FRP) and the broader marine industry, to formalize existing best practices and procedures for marine vessel traffic control and safety in the Fraser River.

The purpose of the Traffic Control Zone 4 (TCZ-4) Vessel Traffic Procedures, subsection (c) Tier 2 Vessel Regulations including Fishing and Pleasure Craft, is to ensure operators of non-motorized vessels, including kayaks and paddleboards, are aware of the hazards and risks of collision in this area that are unique to river waters and narrow channels and comply with existing Canadian Law. Under the Canada Shipping Act<http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,_c._1416/page-3.html#docCont>, Collision Regulations, it is stated that “a vessel of less than 20 metres in length or a sailing vessel shall not impede the passage of a vessel which can safely navigate only within a narrow channel or fairway,” such as is the case in the Fraser River. The port authority considered this existing law in the development of the Fraser River Traffic Control Zone.

We recognize that there have been some concerns regarding these procedures, and as a result of public feedback we have already received during the 30-day public comment period, we will be providing further clarification within the Port Information Guide concerning paddle boarders and kayakers, specifically as it relates to operating in and around the TCZ-4. In the image below of the Fraser River safe boating guide<https://www.portvancouver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/SafeBoating-FraserRiver.pdf>, the red lines indicate the deep-sea vessel transit route. Clarification will be included in the guide to illustrate that the TCZ-4 procedures apply only within these red lines. Non-motorized vessels can still cross the TCZ-4, but are advised that this is a deep-sea vessel transit route and it is not safe to cross when a deep-sea vessel is transiting, as a larger vessel cannot deviate from its course or come to a full stop in a short distance.

Language will also be added to the procedures clarifying that in cases where the TCZ-4 borders on the shoreline, operators of vessels not suitable to transit within the deep-sea vessel route in the TCZ-4 shall navigate as close to the shoreline as is safe and practical. These practices and procedures are in line with international best practice, including those described in the Collision Regulations.”

This seems to be a case of poor communications on the part of the Port Authority  – inadequate care taken in drafting regulations  and lack of proper outreach to its community. But they know how to waste everyone else’s time!

[Mick Allen]

This is of significant concern to SKABC especially.  The Fraser River and Howe Sound are immediate  embracing hands holding our paddling interest for now and the future. We are making great progress in Howe Sound . . . but on the other hand to lose corresponding possibilities on the Fraser River would be devastating.

Any words of concern should be made to

<i>Marine Operations Specialist navigation.review@portvancouver.com</i>

as noted above.

 

[Philip Kubik]

Comments on this issue should be sent to:

Marine Operations Specialist

Navigation.review@portvancouver.com

The deadline is Wednesday March 14, 2018

The following letter from the Share the Fraser Coalition provides some details about the proposal from the Vancouver Port Authority. The letter was provided by Cathy Cook of PIKA.

March 6, 2018

We are a coalition of paddle clubs, paddle-craft oriented businesses, associations and other interested parties who have become aware that newly proposed amendments to the practices and procedures contained in the Port Information Guide may have a significant and negative impact on our usage of the Lower Fraser River. A number of our members have submitted emails detailing our concerns and requesting clarification, but to the best of our knowledge, there has not yet been a response.

Our chief concerns are as follows:

1. While the notice of amendment indicates that the “Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has developed and formalized practices and procedures for vessel traffic control and safety in the Fraser River in collaboration with the Pacific Pilotage Authority (PPA), the Fraser River Pilots (FRP) and the broader marine community”, we are unaware of any consultation with any of our associate members. Given the historical significance that paddle-craft travel has had on the Fraser, we see this as a significant oversight.

 

2. The proposed regulation states that “All Tier 2 vessels including fishing vessels, pleasure craft and sailing vessels, when transiting TCZ-4 must be under adequate mechanical power.”  The definition of a Tier 2 vessel is “all other vessel traffic operating in the TCZ-4 boundaries including fishing vessels, pleasure craft and sailing vessels.”

 

3. We have become concerned that the proposed addition of 122 meters onto the existing 200 to 250 meters wide deep-sea navigation channel, together with other restrictions suggested for this new TCZ-4 zone, will effectively prohibit human-powered watercraft from the Lower Fraser. In several sections from New Westminster to the mouth of the Fraser River, increasing the deep-sea navigational channel by 122 meters will extend the new zone as far as the shoreline.

 

By way of addressing these concerns and in an effort to clarify our respective positions and find agreeable solutions, we request that the Port Authority commit to consultation with our coalition and extend the deadline for public input on these proposals in order to allow sufficient time to do so.

Share the Fraser Coalition confirmed members as of 0716 this date:

BC Marine Trails Network Association

Ecomarine

Kaymaraan Adventure Tours

Pacific International Kayak Association

Sea Kayak Association of BC

\Western Canoeing and Kayaking

West Beach Paddle Sports

sharethefrasercoalition@gmail.com

[Dermot Shane]

We had grandparent duties on Saturday, could not make the schedule work

we’d would love to get to next kayakstand workshop

Eva & Dermot

 

[Chantal Ethier]

Hi Heather,

Thank you for the wonderfully positive feedback.  We thought this session might come in handy for many of us who struggle with storage.  I couldn’t agree more with you that this price is spot on and the design is simple and practical.  All in all it is brilliant and a win-win.

I was thrilled to see what Richard came up with when I first spoke to him about this.  A friend of mine had made a set of kayak stands, which as it turns out was quite a bit pricier, not as sturdy and way more complicated.  Richard stuck to the KIS method (Keep It Simple) and the result as evidenced by your comments is pretty much what I had hoped for.

Enjoy the stands and thanks for taking the time to write about the workshop and giving it 5 stars – that’s more than I could have hoped for.  🙂

Chantal

[Heather Kirk]

Yesterday I attended Richard Jensen’s workshop to make a set of folding supports for use when washing, waxing or doing maintenance on your boat. His design is simple and practical, it takes up almost no space and it’s cheap, cheap cheap!!! When I saw how easy it was to make I knew I could do it myself but then I asked myself if I would ever get around to it or if I would buy the wood etc and then let it sit in my garage forever and keep making do with my saw horses. I knew the answer to that question so I signed up for the workshop and went yesterday. Today I put my boat on my new kayak supports and finally installed the new bungee cord I’ve had for at least a year and put in new retro-reflective deck lines for self rescues. I could stand upright and be comfortable during the installations and it was easy to set the boat on its side so I could work on both sides of the boat without walking around.

There is going to be a second workshop for the kayak supports and help with other concerns with respect to kayak maintenance. If you missed last weekend’s sessions and are interested, I give this 5 stars.

 

Heather.

[Nick Heath]

Even of you can’t attend an open house session, please be sure to fill out their survey:

http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/on-water-waterway-recreation-strategy.aspx

[Nick Heath]

I wrote to the Port Authority with my and what I believe to be our club’s objections. Since then, a number of other clubs have become involved including PIKA and several canoe clubs. They are forming a loose “Share the Fraser Coalition”.  All are encouraging multiple individual letters and are attempting to get some press attention.  Help with this appreciated if you can – as much as anything it is a matter of principle that the non-motorized sector be consulted on matters like this – it’s the same problem as last year’s thwarted attempt to block Siwash Raock etc.

[Nick Heath]

Thanks those who came to Tuesday’s Open House at Creekside CC. I’m sure the consultants and staff were listening. Please try to attend one of the upcoming sessions. See the earlier message for where and when.  Remember that our club members and the kayaking public deserve facilities  as much as many other types of recreational users!

[zoran Bogdanovic]

Brand new in box $50.00

[Anja Pakendorf]

Hi Reed !

 

I tried to e- mail you but link does not wotk.  I have the time off and am very much interested.

 

Cheers

Anja

[Nick Heath]

It was super to see several SKABC members incl our illustrious Co-Pres and VP at the first open house held Tues ev. The City staff and consultants were listening attentively, so please try to attend one of the upcoming 2 remaining  sessions if you couldn’t attend this past one. Kayakers seemed to be in the majority, even near the Dragon Boat HQ.

[Admin]

Hi Nick and Chantal, I can also attend the open house tonight.

[Chantal Ethier]

Hi Cory,

I believe Mike Gilbert of Paddle Canada is teaching one maybe two level 2 this summer and I confirmed with him that SKABC members are eligible for a 10% discount.  You can reach Mike at mgilbert1600@gmail.com for more information.

Good luck,

Chantal

[Author]

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