Boating BC Applauds Provincial Government for Abandoned Vessel Clean Up Program
May 11, 2021
Boating BC Association applauds the funding announcement by Environment Minister George Heyman committing $9.5 million to coastal clean-up efforts. Boating BC Association has been working with Transport Canada for the past three years raising awareness and providing resources for abandoned and end-of-life vessels in coastal waters.
“We are very pleased to see the provincial government come to the table with support and funding for this important environmental issue,” said Bruce Hayne, Boating BC’s Executive Director. “While the vast majority of recreational boaters are very responsible, there are some who either don’t know what to do with their old boat or choose to abandon it.”
In 2019, the Federal Government introduced Bill C-64, the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, making it illegal to abandon a vessel in Canadian waters. Since that time, through funding from Transport Canada, Boating BC has been working to provide information on responsible boat disposal and bringing awareness to the issue. Reporting an abandoned vessel is made easy by calling 1-800-889-8852 or visiting www.boatingbc.ca.
