File photo.
The City of Victoria said a hearing date has been set for its injunction application to remove illegally moored boats from the Gorge Waterway.
The B.C. Supreme Court hearing is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 11. The city says there are currently 16 boats and four docks moored in contravention of the City’s Zoning Regulation Bylaw.
The city is seeking an injunction that will require owners to remove their boat or dock from the Gorge Waterway.
In May 2016, there were changes made to the City’s Zoning Regulation Bylaw to improve the management of the Gorge Waterway. The changes limited long-term mooring to a maximum of 48 hours and not more than 72 hours in a 30-day period.
It also regulated the use of the waterway for recreation, prohibited live-aboard use and storage of vessels and also addressed the negative impacts unregulated marine activities are having on the environment and Victoria residents.
The city has been working with Pacifica Housing to offer outreach services to people living on vessels that cannot be safely moved. In February, the city said notices were served to about 15 boats anchored in the tidal inlet that connects Victoria Harbour to Portage Inlet. Seven boats and their occupants left voluntarily.
Alexa Huffman
