If it goes ahead, this agreement will fundamentally and forever change Nanaimo`s iconic boat basin. Instead of a colourful, diverse and active working harbour, we will have a private marina designed to accommodate large leisure craft.

Our harbour today is a public facility, vital to residents of Protection Island, the Snuneymuxh First Nation and its many commercial users; a part of the local economy; the symbol and heart of the"Harbour City"; and a magnet to tourists and citizens alike. It needs to remain, as it has been throughout its history, a working harbour accessible and affordable for its diverse users.

I urge the Nanaimo Port Authority to work with the City of Nanaimo, the Province of BC, the federal government and local stakeholders to develop an alternative strategy for funding and carrying out essential upgrades to the Nanaimo Harbour Boat Basin so that its essence is preserved.