News
Dec 21, 2018
Yvette Meyer of Transport Canada responds to BC Coast Community Groups letter concerning the 6 month Interim Protocol Review
Transport Canada Letter
Yvette Meyer of Transport Canada responds to BC Coast Community Groups letter concerning the 6 month Interim Protocol Review
Transport Canada Letter
Dec 14, 2018
CBSWS responds to Transport Canada`s BULLETIN #8 - PACIFIC REGION INTERIM ANCHORAGES PROTOCOL of Nov 29, 2018
Response Document
On Dec 18, 2018 we received the following email from Vija Poruks, OPP Project Manager, Transport Canada, Pacific Region/Government of Canada
Transport Canada Response
CBSWS responds to Transport Canada`s BULLETIN #8 - PACIFIC REGION INTERIM ANCHORAGES PROTOCOL of Nov 29, 2018
Response Document
On Dec 18, 2018 we received the following email from Vija Poruks, OPP Project Manager, Transport Canada, Pacific Region/Government of Canada
Transport Canada Response
Nov 29, 2018
Transport Canada issues BULLETIN #8 - PACIFIC REGION INTERIM ANCHORAGES PROTOCOL - reports below
Report #8 – Summary of Activities for September & October 2018
DATA SUMMARY – Interim Anchorages Protocol Report #8 – September/October 2018
INTERIM PROTOCOL FOR THE USE OF SOUTHERN B.C. ANCHORAGES Rev. 4, 27 November 2018
Transport Canada issues BULLETIN #8 - PACIFIC REGION INTERIM ANCHORAGES PROTOCOL - reports below
Report #8 – Summary of Activities for September & October 2018
DATA SUMMARY – Interim Anchorages Protocol Report #8 – September/October 2018
INTERIM PROTOCOL FOR THE USE OF SOUTHERN B.C. ANCHORAGES Rev. 4, 27 November 2018
Nov 26, 2018
Alistair MacGregor tabled our petition in the House of Commons on November 26th. You can read what he said here:
openparliament.ca/debates/2018/11/26/alistair-macgregor-2/ alternatively you can watch it on youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2e5ukFmHkQ&feature=youtu.be as Alistair raises the issue in the House of Commons in further detail
Alistair MacGregor tabled our petition in the House of Commons on November 26th. You can read what he said here:
openparliament.ca/debates/2018/11/26/alistair-macgregor-2/ alternatively you can watch it on youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2e5ukFmHkQ&feature=youtu.be as Alistair raises the issue in the House of Commons in further detail
Nov. 1, 2018
Ted Fullerton report;
2014 Quorum Canadian Grain Supply Chain Study, Page 69.
“The performance of empty vessels arriving at port and the occasional diversion from scheduled times that some vessel charters incur causes concerns with grain shippers. Overall port and terminal performance can and is directly impacted as the data for the arrival of empty ocean vessels at the loading port is difficult to acquire and the actual causes of delay or diversion from the original vessel charter plan can be challenging to confirm. As such, we must rely on input from stakeholders to provide the input and information on performance variability of these movements. As described by stakeholder, the causes can range from mechanical problems with the vessel to the buyer switching vessel charters either through an attempt to arbitrage freight rates or because they redirected a vessel to a higher priority movement. As this analysis does not examine the consistency and reliability of empty inbound movements, the actual impact of those diversions cannot be quantified or validated, however, anecdotal evidence as provided by some of the port terminal operators indicates that the lack of consistency in empty vessel arrivals can challenge the planning cycles of terminals. This can result in extended storage times of some grain as it waits for the proper vessel...
Ted Fullerton report;
2014 Quorum Canadian Grain Supply Chain Study, Page 69.
“The performance of empty vessels arriving at port and the occasional diversion from scheduled times that some vessel charters incur causes concerns with grain shippers. Overall port and terminal performance can and is directly impacted as the data for the arrival of empty ocean vessels at the loading port is difficult to acquire and the actual causes of delay or diversion from the original vessel charter plan can be challenging to confirm. As such, we must rely on input from stakeholders to provide the input and information on performance variability of these movements. As described by stakeholder, the causes can range from mechanical problems with the vessel to the buyer switching vessel charters either through an attempt to arbitrage freight rates or because they redirected a vessel to a higher priority movement. As this analysis does not examine the consistency and reliability of empty inbound movements, the actual impact of those diversions cannot be quantified or validated, however, anecdotal evidence as provided by some of the port terminal operators indicates that the lack of consistency in empty vessel arrivals can challenge the planning cycles of terminals. This can result in extended storage times of some grain as it waits for the proper vessel...
Oct. 25, 2018
Second petition including separate heading for First Nations sent out for signing to COWICHAN TRIBES, THE STZ'UMINUS FIRST NATION, THE PENELAKUT TRIBE AND THE HALALT FIRST NATION (2000 signatures get media release.)
Second petition including separate heading for First Nations sent out for signing to COWICHAN TRIBES, THE STZ'UMINUS FIRST NATION, THE PENELAKUT TRIBE AND THE HALALT FIRST NATION (2000 signatures get media release.)
Oct 23, 2018
We attach/post James Kerr’s paper which we find thoughtful and timely. CBSWS has not taken a formal position on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. For clarity, CBSWS understands the importance of international trade to Canada. Our position though, is that trade does not require us to sacrifice the health and well-being of our marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
Jim Kerr`s Pipeline document
We attach/post James Kerr’s paper which we find thoughtful and timely. CBSWS has not taken a formal position on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. For clarity, CBSWS understands the importance of international trade to Canada. Our position though, is that trade does not require us to sacrifice the health and well-being of our marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
Jim Kerr`s Pipeline document
Oct 22, 2018
The following article on the Freighters in Cow Bay/Satellite Channel appear in Hakai Magazine
The following article on the Freighters in Cow Bay/Satellite Channel appear in Hakai Magazine
Oct 22, 2018
Peter and Mike attend the latest Oceans Protection Plan Pacific South Coast Dialogue Forum in Vancouver hosted by Transport Canada.
As per Kevin Obermeyer, keep up with accurate and respectful letters.
Report on OPP forum; One day only with greater emphasis on anchorages; large attendance from First Nations with strong discussion around table of non-consultation. Mike and I had lunch with Vija Poruks (our Transport Canada contact) and Alain Paquet, her boss, very frank and informal; willing to visit, understand severity, looking at high issue sites as non-use.
Peter and Mike attend the latest Oceans Protection Plan Pacific South Coast Dialogue Forum in Vancouver hosted by Transport Canada.
As per Kevin Obermeyer, keep up with accurate and respectful letters.
Report on OPP forum; One day only with greater emphasis on anchorages; large attendance from First Nations with strong discussion around table of non-consultation. Mike and I had lunch with Vija Poruks (our Transport Canada contact) and Alain Paquet, her boss, very frank and informal; willing to visit, understand severity, looking at high issue sites as non-use.
Oct 18, 2018
Chris Straw, GAFA president, will appear before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Communities and Infrastructure in Ottawa. His presentation will call on the committee to examine deficiencies in the Port of Vancouver supply chain that are leading to an increase of foreign ships arriving weeks ahead of loading dates and anchoring at sites throughout the Southern Gulf Islands.
Chris Straw, GAFA president, will appear before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Communities and Infrastructure in Ottawa. His presentation will call on the committee to examine deficiencies in the Port of Vancouver supply chain that are leading to an increase of foreign ships arriving weeks ahead of loading dates and anchoring at sites throughout the Southern Gulf Islands.
Oct 12, 2018
Our petition, to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of commercial freighter anchorage sites throughout the Southern Gulf Islands, is submitted to Alistair MacGregor office with a total of 130 signatures.
Our Petition
Our petition, to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of commercial freighter anchorage sites throughout the Southern Gulf Islands, is submitted to Alistair MacGregor office with a total of 130 signatures.
Our Petition
Sept 29, 2018
Peter and Neil meet with GAFA, ACT and Pender Island and Lori Iannidinardo in Nanaimo. Afterwards we meet with representatives from the Saltair group. Later we all attend a roundtable in hosted by Shelia Malcolmson and Alistair MacGregor to discuss Freighters Anchorages essentially an opportunity for 4 FNs’; COWICHAN TRIBES, THE STZ'UMINUS FIRST NATION, THE PENELAKUT TRIBE AND THE HALALT FIRST NATION and all coastal groups; IT, GAFA, ACT, CBSWS PSPA, CVRD, SCS, N; CRD to voice specific issues and show solidarity. Unanimous assertion to have anchorages removed. News release followed this in the Nanaimo news.
News release
Peter and Neil meet with GAFA, ACT and Pender Island and Lori Iannidinardo in Nanaimo. Afterwards we meet with representatives from the Saltair group. Later we all attend a roundtable in hosted by Shelia Malcolmson and Alistair MacGregor to discuss Freighters Anchorages essentially an opportunity for 4 FNs’; COWICHAN TRIBES, THE STZ'UMINUS FIRST NATION, THE PENELAKUT TRIBE AND THE HALALT FIRST NATION and all coastal groups; IT, GAFA, ACT, CBSWS PSPA, CVRD, SCS, N; CRD to voice specific issues and show solidarity. Unanimous assertion to have anchorages removed. News release followed this in the Nanaimo news.
News release
Sept 7, 2018
GAFA (Gabriolans Against Freighter Anchorages) response to the Interim Anchorages Protocol Extension
GAFA (Gabriolans Against Freighter Anchorages) response to the Interim Anchorages Protocol Extension
July 11, 2018
Peter, Denis and Neil meet with our MPP Sonia Furstenau in Cowichan Bay.
Sonia has offered introductions to local key politicians and also any additional support she can provide.
Peter, Denis and Neil meet with our MPP Sonia Furstenau in Cowichan Bay.
Sonia has offered introductions to local key politicians and also any additional support she can provide.
July 9, 2018
Peter, Mike and Neil meet with our MP Alistair MacGregor in Duncan; He has offered his full support and cover letter to our partition to Transport Canada as well as a liaise meeting with MP Sheila Malcolmson.
Peter, Mike and Neil meet with our MP Alistair MacGregor in Duncan; He has offered his full support and cover letter to our partition to Transport Canada as well as a liaise meeting with MP Sheila Malcolmson.
July 2, 2018 - Incident #4 report to T.C. and the VFPA harbour master.
Good day,
From our tracking of ship movements, to observe how the ships are being distributed amongst the SGI non-port anchorages, we have observed another incident which follows the previous three that we have reported.
Incident 4:
On June 25 the vessel GL LA PAZ was at anchor in English Bay 1 (EB1) at 10:00 hours where it had dropped anchor on June 17. When we checked the Westshore Terminals vessel line up, it was scheduled to load its cargo at Roberts Bank on June 27.
At 11:00 hours on June 25 it departed for Cowichan Bay anchorage D where it arrived at approximately 15:30 that day. At the same time EB1 was empty with no vessel schedule to anchor there according to the Vessel Position Report.
At 17:00 hours June 25, at 07:30 hours June 26, and at 17:45 hours June 26 the Vessel Position Report and Current Traffic report still showed no vessel in EB1 or one schedule to arrive in EB1.
At 03:00 hours June 27 the GL LA PAZ, 40 hours after it departed EB1 and 35 hours after arriving, departed Cow Bay D heading for Roberts Bank. As of 07:00 June 27 there was still no vessel at anchorage at EB1.
Why did the GL LA PAZ leave EB1 when apparently there was nothing scheduled for EB1?
Peter Holmes
Neil MacDonald
Cowichan Bay Ship Watch Society
Good day,
From our tracking of ship movements, to observe how the ships are being distributed amongst the SGI non-port anchorages, we have observed another incident which follows the previous three that we have reported.
Incident 4:
On June 25 the vessel GL LA PAZ was at anchor in English Bay 1 (EB1) at 10:00 hours where it had dropped anchor on June 17. When we checked the Westshore Terminals vessel line up, it was scheduled to load its cargo at Roberts Bank on June 27.
At 11:00 hours on June 25 it departed for Cowichan Bay anchorage D where it arrived at approximately 15:30 that day. At the same time EB1 was empty with no vessel schedule to anchor there according to the Vessel Position Report.
At 17:00 hours June 25, at 07:30 hours June 26, and at 17:45 hours June 26 the Vessel Position Report and Current Traffic report still showed no vessel in EB1 or one schedule to arrive in EB1.
At 03:00 hours June 27 the GL LA PAZ, 40 hours after it departed EB1 and 35 hours after arriving, departed Cow Bay D heading for Roberts Bank. As of 07:00 June 27 there was still no vessel at anchorage at EB1.
Why did the GL LA PAZ leave EB1 when apparently there was nothing scheduled for EB1?
Peter Holmes
Neil MacDonald
Cowichan Bay Ship Watch Society
June 28, 2018
The Islands Alliance, comprising of GAFA (Gabriaola), ACT (Thetis), Pender Island Protection Association and the Cowichan Bay Ship Watch Society met with Robert Lewis Manning (CEO BC Chamber of Shipping) in Cowichan Bay.
The Islands Alliance, comprising of GAFA (Gabriaola), ACT (Thetis), Pender Island Protection Association and the Cowichan Bay Ship Watch Society met with Robert Lewis Manning (CEO BC Chamber of Shipping) in Cowichan Bay.
June 26, 2018
The Pender Island Protection Association emailed Transport Canada asking for justifications regarding gypsum offloading.
Sirs/Madams
The CSL self-unloading cargo vessel anchored in "D" anchorage last night and proceeded to conduct its industrial offloading of gypsum throughout the night hours, disturbing all residents in the vicinity. I am located at 8806 Canal road, half way up the Browning Harbour. The noise levels were high enough to constantly awaken my wife and I throughout the night as the vessel swung on its anchor, directing its noise up the bay.
"D" anchorage is the worst position for the propagation of noise as it is at the mouth of Browning Harbour and very close to adjacent shorelines.
The excessive lighting also created significant negative impacts on the area.
"D" anchorage was exempted from the Interim Protocols by Transport Canada for reasons that elude us. This is also the only designated MOA site in the Southern Gulf Island waters, a decision that continues to create a very negative impact on the environment and the coastal community.
Bruce McConchie
The Pender Island Protection Association emailed Transport Canada asking for justifications regarding gypsum offloading.
Sirs/Madams
The CSL self-unloading cargo vessel anchored in "D" anchorage last night and proceeded to conduct its industrial offloading of gypsum throughout the night hours, disturbing all residents in the vicinity. I am located at 8806 Canal road, half way up the Browning Harbour. The noise levels were high enough to constantly awaken my wife and I throughout the night as the vessel swung on its anchor, directing its noise up the bay.
"D" anchorage is the worst position for the propagation of noise as it is at the mouth of Browning Harbour and very close to adjacent shorelines.
The excessive lighting also created significant negative impacts on the area.
"D" anchorage was exempted from the Interim Protocols by Transport Canada for reasons that elude us. This is also the only designated MOA site in the Southern Gulf Island waters, a decision that continues to create a very negative impact on the environment and the coastal community.
Bruce McConchie
June 20, 2018
The Island Trust unanimously approved the following motion:
"That Trust Council direct the Executive Committee to amend its work program to include “Advocacy regarding temporary freighter anchorages in the Southern Gulf Islands” as a Top Priority for the remainder of the current term."
What does this mean?
The Executive of the Islands Trust Council will now elevate the issue to one of its highest priorities, allocating funds, staff time etc. rather than having it sit as an ongoing project amongst their other initiatives.
The Island Trust unanimously approved the following motion:
"That Trust Council direct the Executive Committee to amend its work program to include “Advocacy regarding temporary freighter anchorages in the Southern Gulf Islands” as a Top Priority for the remainder of the current term."
What does this mean?
The Executive of the Islands Trust Council will now elevate the issue to one of its highest priorities, allocating funds, staff time etc. rather than having it sit as an ongoing project amongst their other initiatives.
June 1, 2018
Transport Canada issues third monthly summary report on the Pacific Region Interim Anchorages Protocol
Summary Usage Data Report
Narrative Summary Report
Transport Canada issues third monthly summary report on the Pacific Region Interim Anchorages Protocol
Summary Usage Data Report
Narrative Summary Report
May 30, 2018
We sent a letter to Transport Canada regarding the latest ship to arrive in anchorage C
Transport Canada response as of June 1, 2014 to the letter
Our response to Transport Canada Letter dated June 5, 2017
We sent a letter to Transport Canada regarding the latest ship to arrive in anchorage C
Transport Canada response as of June 1, 2014 to the letter
Our response to Transport Canada Letter dated June 5, 2017
May 14, 2018
Receive a response to our Anchorage Use Letter from Transport Canada
Letter sent to Transport Canada regarding the latest ship to anchor in Cowichan Bay
Transport Canada response as of May 16 to latest ship to anchor in Cowichan Bay
Receive a response to our Anchorage Use Letter from Transport Canada
Letter sent to Transport Canada regarding the latest ship to anchor in Cowichan Bay
Transport Canada response as of May 16 to latest ship to anchor in Cowichan Bay
May 13, 2018
Our response to Alistair MacGregor's letter
Our response to Alistair MacGregor's letter
May 11, 2018
Received letter from Alistair MacGregor - click on hotspot to read
Cowichan Bay Anchorage Use letter that we sent to Transport Canada
Cowichan Bay Ships Light letter that we sent to Transport Canada
Received letter from Alistair MacGregor - click on hotspot to read
Cowichan Bay Anchorage Use letter that we sent to Transport Canada
Cowichan Bay Ships Light letter that we sent to Transport Canada
Apr 24, 2018
GAFA (GABRIOLANS AGAINST FREIGHTER ANCHORAGES) send letter to Transport Canada as a Follow up to Anchorage Meetings at Dialogue Forum
GAFA (GABRIOLANS AGAINST FREIGHTER ANCHORAGES) send letter to Transport Canada as a Follow up to Anchorage Meetings at Dialogue Forum
Apr 20, 2018
B.C. communities await marine spill compensation years after incidents - click on hotspot to read article
B.C. communities await marine spill compensation years after incidents - click on hotspot to read article
Mar 20 and 21, 2018
Peter and Mike attend the second OPP forum discussion in Vancouver.
Peter and Mike attend the second OPP forum discussion in Vancouver.
Mar 15, 2018
Peter, Mike and Neil attend SIPS (Saanich Inlet Protection Society) roundtable which was held at Brentwood College. We had done a prior presentation in 2017 and this year we did a follow-up presentation on what had transpired over the past year.
Peter, Mike and Neil attend SIPS (Saanich Inlet Protection Society) roundtable which was held at Brentwood College. We had done a prior presentation in 2017 and this year we did a follow-up presentation on what had transpired over the past year.
Feb 15, 2016
We received a communication from Transport Canada regarding the Interim Protocol for the use of Southern B.C. Anchorages which was implemented on Feb 8, 2018 for a period of 6 months. Complete details below
Interim Protocol
We received a communication from Transport Canada regarding the Interim Protocol for the use of Southern B.C. Anchorages which was implemented on Feb 8, 2018 for a period of 6 months. Complete details below
Interim Protocol
Feb 1, 2018
Do bright lights effect marine life. The city of Victoria think so. View the article below
New bridge to have fish friendly lights.
While the lights from the ships here are not aimed directly at the water the residual light has to be attracting the fish.
Do bright lights effect marine life. The city of Victoria think so. View the article below
New bridge to have fish friendly lights.
While the lights from the ships here are not aimed directly at the water the residual light has to be attracting the fish.
Jan 31, 2018
On this date Peter send a letter to Transport Canada regarding a lack of communication since before Christmas. View the letter below
Outer anchorage issues
On this date Peter send a letter to Transport Canada regarding a lack of communication since before Christmas. View the letter below
Outer anchorage issues
Jan 23, 2018
Neil attends the quarterly CWB Water Quality/Estuarine Health Working Group meeting and does a presentation about CBSWS and the environment concerns that arise from the anchoring of large commercial vessels in Cowichan Bay.
Neil attends the quarterly CWB Water Quality/Estuarine Health Working Group meeting and does a presentation about CBSWS and the environment concerns that arise from the anchoring of large commercial vessels in Cowichan Bay.
Jan 6, 2018
Peter and Neil attended a meeting with the Cowichan Tribes on a possible collaboration between us.
Peter and Neil attended a meeting with the Cowichan Tribes on a possible collaboration between us.