Community partners and multi-jurisdictional effort results in navigational channel markings in the Mamquam Blind Channel

Navigational channel markers have been installed in the Mamquam Blind Channel to create an identifiable marine channel from the Pemberton Rail Bridge to Howe Sound. This community project has been funded by three land owners along the Mamquam Blind Channel – Waterfront Landing (joint venture between Bosa Properties and Kingswood Properties), Cornerstone Developments and Scott Developments. The District of Squamish and Transport Canada have also partnered in bringing the project to fruition.

The establishment of a clear navigational channel will assist with public awareness as well as enforcement efforts to maintain navigability within the Mamquam Blind Channel in anticipation of greater volumes of navigational traffic from new marinas, float homes and increased tourist traffic as the waterfront continues to develop and transform. The navigational channel is in compliance with the provisions of the Navigation Protection Act and will provide Transport Canada with the ability to order vessels located within the navigational channel to relocate outside of it.

The project builds on the 2016 Derelict Boat Clean-Up Community Project that saw the removal of 400 creosote pilings and over 25 derelict boats from the Mamquam Blind Channel. It also supports the District’s Marine Action Strategy, a multi-phased plan to address local marine issues and maximize waterfront revitalization opportunities. A Phase 1 recommendation of this Strategy was for the District of Squamish to seek partnerships with federal jurisdictions to increase authority here in Squamish. This project helps support this recommendation as Transport Canada has the authority to remove vessels that don’t comply.

For more information about the Marine Action Strategy visit squamish.ca/marinestrategy

Quotes:

 “Safety and security are our top priorities. New navigational channel markers will make the waters around Squamish safer while protecting the marine environment”.

- Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport”

  “This is another big step forward for our marine environment and kudos to all parties for their commitment and action to protect and improve our waterfront as it continues to transform. The planned development along the Mamquam Blind Channel is an incredibly exciting step in Squamish’s growth, and this project will help ensure that we can further enjoy our waterfront through both environmental and visual improvements to the marine setting.” 

- Patricia Heintzman, Mayor, District of Squamish

December 20, 2017