PITT MEADOWS, BC – The City of Pitt Meadows is pleased to announce plans to remove vessels of concern on the Alouette River in Pitt Meadows. Working with Transport Canada, removal operations will take place in the coming weeks between Silver Bridge and the Pitt Meadows Marina.
“We have heard growing concern from the community about the safety and environmental impacts that these abandoned structures have on our beautiful waterways,” says Nicole MacDonald, Mayor of Pitt Meadows. “We are grateful to local residents and organizations who have played a key role in advocating for assistance and funding to see this work completed.”
“With wrecked and abandoned boats falling under the jurisdiction of the federal government, we are appreciative that Transport Canada has heard our concerns and is taking action to remove these boats and structures” says Chief Administrative Officer Mark Roberts.
Throughout the duration of this work, residents should anticipate parking restrictions, and limited access to the river and the nearby Alouette River Dikes trail while equipment is present, and vessels are actively being removed. The contractor will endeavor to minimize disturbances to area residents, but there may be some impacts to vessels operating and accessing docks in the affected section of the river. The City and Transport Canada are requesting that any anchored vessels should be removed while this work is taking place.
Under the federal Wrecked, Abandoned and Hazardous Vessels Act, it is illegal to abandon a vessel; cause a vessel to become a wreck by failing to maintain it; or purposefully sink, strand or ground a vessel, among other prohibitions. Transport Canada will make every possible effort to locate the vessel owners and hold them accountable under the Act.
For details about dates and impacts of the work, visit pittmeadows.ca/notices.
More information about the Wrecked, Abandoned and Hazardous Vessels Act is available here.
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“Through the Navigation Protection Program, we are taking action against safety and environmental hazards. We’re pleased to partner with the City of Pitt Meadows and the community to keep our navigable waters safe and clean.”
The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
Minister of Transport
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Media Contact:
Stephanie St. Jean
Communications & Community Engagement
City of Pitt Meadows
communications@pittmeadows.ca