File photo.
Transport Canada has announced funding for the removal of six abandoned boats along the B.C. coast, under the Oceans Protection Plan.
A total of $31,346 will be provided for the removal efforts. Salish Sea Industrial Services in Victoria was awarded $19,685 to remove derelict vessels through the Abandoned Boats Program.
The City of Victoria says the announcement includes funding for the recent removal and disposal of four derelict boats in the harbour.
The federal agency says that abandoned boats are a growing problem across Canada, and that the government under the plan is working diligently to deter the practice.
“We continue to do excellent work to strengthen, beautify, and safeguard our coasts and waterways for future generations. I am pleased to witness municipalities, ports, and private companies coming together to support the Government of Canada in its ambitious goals,” said Minister of Transport Marc Garneau in a statement.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government Joyce Murray made the announcement on behalf of Garneau.
The municipality of Bowen Island was also awarded $5,250 and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority received $6,411.
A total of $6.85 million is planned to be allocated under the Oceans Protection Plan for the Abandoned Boats Program — a $1.5 billion initiative.
Transport Canada says it’s the largest investment ever made to protect Canada’s coasts and waterways.
So far funding has been approved for the assessment of 86 boats for a total of $265,060 and for the removal of 20 boats for a total of $136,746.
The federal government has also proposed new legislation called the “Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act” to combat the issue.
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