Barge Spa comments to COV Planning dept Shape Your City deadline today
Hello Heritage Harbour protectors;
Last chance to submit comments re 1905 Ogden Ave (DP-2026-00589) development application although you could still email the project facilitator next week with further thoughts. Email <erica.tsang-trinaistich@vancouver.ca>. Important new info below.
Kits Point resident and retired engineer Kerry Sully wrote an excellent submission to the Director of Planning specifically concerning an issue that has not been covered as yet: "The use of biocides and scraping the hull will create a toxic and polluted bay—one that would no longer be safe for swimming"
Kerry Sully Submission: Why the barge will be a detriment to water quality in Heritage Harbour and Teetotaler Beach
Short video by a Kits Point resident: Heritage Harbour Seagulls Fishing
My suggested conditions for the HAVN development permit comments should the Director of Planning decide to give conditional approval, submitted earlier this week:
Prior to granting this development permit subject to certain conditions, I suggest that the City first seek the guidance of the Court regarding their duties as Trustee under the trust of these water lots, as per the KPRA submissions, and whether the City can approve this deal in its role as Trustee and, if so, whether the annual $250,000 mooring fee is adequate compensation, given the potential revenues to HAVN Saunas, if successful.
If the Director of Planning should decide to grant this Development Permit subject to certain conditions, please be sure to include the following conditions:
1. That appropriate engineering, wave and wind studies be conducted as to the viability and safety of such a massive barge spa in this small harbour in regards to dredging to ensure the harbour remains navigable by the False Creek Ferry and wooden boats moored there, and the potential destructive impact of a major king tide and storm on the boats and docks in the harbour, keeping in mind global warming and climate change, and rising sea levels.
2. That the developer seek guidance and approval from Transport Canada under the Navigable Waters Act to determine whether mooring the barge spa in the harbour requires dredging due to low tides and resulting navigation issues; whether the Work qualifies as a Major or Minor Work; and what is required to proceed for this harbour to remain safely navigable for the False Creek Ferry and wooden boats moored there.
3. The impact that any dredging will have on the current Teetotaler swimming beach, and whether swimming can be allowed to continue due to safety reasons.
4. That the developer seek any required approvals from Ocean and Fisheries.
5. That studies be conducted on the environmental impact of this massive barge on marine life in the harbour, including current hatching activity, and whether any materials used such as exterior surface paints will cause any damage.
6. That noise impact studies be conducted in regards to late evening noise from voices on the deck of the barge, patrons coming and going and extra traffic in the neighbourhood, given that noise carries further over water and could disturb residents in both the West End and Kits Point, especially since that our parks close at 10pm.
Continue to share this petition now at 2656 signatures.
Thanks for your support.
Elvira Lount
(Barge rendering by Kerry Sully, retired engineer.)