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As of Monday, July 18, all boats in the inlet of Port Moody will be required to anchor within the new Designated Anchorage Area (DAA) and boaters must have a permit if they plan to stay overnight.  

 “Our residents have expressed their concern and frustration with boats that have not been managed responsibly,” says Port Moody Mayor, Mike Clay. “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.” 

Four large buoys have been installed to provide a clearly marked and well-managed area to ensure boats can anchor safely. 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 by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority that are anchored outside of the DAA or do not have a permit. In the initial stages of the pilot project, the Port Authority will also provide the City with support for enforcement within the DAA.  The City will work in partnership with the Port to monitor the program and determine the most effective enforcement strategy in the long term.

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 refundable $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. 

For more program details and to apply for a DAA permit online visit www.portmoody.ca/daa  or call 604-469-4552 (weekdays 9am-4pm).