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Port Moody’s Designated Anchorage Area now marked by four large buoys in the inlet

PORT MOODY - Four new buoys are being installed today in the inlet of Port Moody to provide clear markers for the new Designated Anchorage Area (DAA) starting July 18, 2016.  The City’s new DAA pilot program requires all boats to anchor within the designated area, and boaters require a DAA Permit if they plan to stay overnight. The DAA was developed in response to community concerns related to unauthorized, long-term moorage, uninsured vessels, and safety issues related to abandoned and improperly anchored boats and dumping of sewage into the inlet.

“Providing a clearly marked area that will now be managed with a permit system helps to ensure boats can anchor safely in the inlet of Port Moody and reduces concerns related to the potential threat to navigation as well as environmental issues we’ve had to deal with stemming from drifting and derelict boats in the area,” says Peter Xotta, Vice President of Planning and Operations at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “We’re pleased to support the City’s initiative to introduce this new pilot program.”

Boaters have received multiple notices over the past 18 months to advise them of the upcoming pilot program, and they have until July 18, 2016 to either remove their boat or apply for a DAA Permit from the City. Enforcement will include towing of boats that are anchored outside of the DAA or do not have permit. Boats can be anchored for up to 21 nights during a 40-day period, and up to 20 boats are permitted at a time in the designated area. The cost for the overnight permit is $12 per day plus a $500 deposit. All boaters applying for a permit must have a minimum of $2 million Comprehensive General Liability insurance for their vessel, and will be required to provide contact details and other information about the vessel being registered. Reserved permit space in the DAA will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Boaters may extend their stay in the inlet by moving to a marina or other permitted location after their allowable anchorage time has expired.

“Our residents have expressed their concern and frustration with boats that have not been managed responsibly,” says Port Moody Mayor, Mike Clay. “In the past there have been safety issues with uninsured, derelict boats running adrift, as well as health concerns about sewage being dumped by boaters who live aboard their boat year round. This designated anchorage area will allow boaters to stay in the inlet and enjoy our beautiful city, but it will also provide a much needed process to protect our natural environment and prevent the problems we’ve seen in the past.”

The buoys are being installed by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority on June 20 at xx time. Photos and video will be available for media on request. For more program details visit www.portmoody.ca/daa.

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About Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is responsible for the stewardship of federal port lands in and around Vancouver, British Columbia. It is accountable to the elected federal minister of transport and operates pursuant to the Canada Marine Act. The port authority is responsible for the efficient and reliable movement of goods and passengers, and integrates environmental, social and economic sustainability initiatives into all areas of port operations. The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s largest port and the third largest tonnage port in North America, facilitating Canada’s trade with more than 170 world economies. Located in a naturally beautiful setting on Canada’s west coast, port terminals and tenants enabled the trade of approximately $200 billion in goods in 2015, generating an estimated 100,000 jobs, $6.1 billion in wages, and $9.7 billion in GDP across Canada.