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May 01, 2022 - 1:31 PM
The days are likely numbered for a large houseboat that's been abandoned near the shores of Bear Creek Provincial Park.
The Regional District of Central Okanagan is sending a letter to the province to ask for help with its removal.
“That boat’s going be all over the shoreline up and down the lake,” said director Wayne Carson, during a board meeting April 25.
“It’s on and angle, it’s on the pontoons, it’s on the rocks. As soon as we get a big storm and the water starts rolling in here, that boat’s not going to last long because it’s huge and it’s just going to be break up.”
Carson stressed that it’s an urgent issue.
“If we don’t deal with this soon it’s going to be a big mess.”
READ MORE: Waterway houseboats goes into receivership after lawsuit against province
RDCO directors decided to send a letter to Minister Josie Osborne, with Land, Water and Resource Stewardship, and Minister George Heyman, with Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
The letter states the houseboat owner will be directed by B.C. Parks to remove the houseboat within a specific timeframe or else face penalties.
Around 15 years ago the houseboat was issued a moorage permit for the Bear Creek location by Transport Canada, the RDCO letter says, adding Transport Canada is responsible for enforcing the Navigable Waters Act to ensure navigable waters remain open for transport and recreation.
“The Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act states: vessel owners must take measures to prevent, mitigate or eliminate hazards presented by their vessel and are responsible for all costs associated with their vessel, including salvage," according to the letter.
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