Plans afoot for the waterfront?

The moorage crunch may soon come to an end, at least according to the hints being dropped by Mayor Herb Pond.

The Daily News offered up the prospect of increased spots on the Prince Rupert waterfront for pleasure boaters to throw a line as the Mayor explained that some private sector prospects are floating around for possible development.

One possible plan could be tied in with the Chances Gaming Centre which had previously suggested that a marina could be another aspect of their waterfront development plans as they were getting construction underway on the Centre, not much has been said publicly since that time, but perhaps they may revisit that plan if there is a need there.

The issue came up for debate at the last council meeting, where some councillors relayed complaints by boaters about the lack of facilities on the waterfront.

Partner may come on board to solve moorage shortage
By Leanne Ritchie
The Daily News
Friday, September 07, 2007

There has been some private-sector interest in solving the moorage crunch for yachts and boats in Prince Rupert, says the mayor.

"I can assure you there is potentially some private-sector interest in expanding space," said Herb Pond at the last council meeting, in response to complaints by councillors that once again this summer there is not enough space for pleasure craft on Prince Rupert's waterfront.

This fall, the city will look at a plan for the waterfront, including an inventory of space, or the lack thereof.

"We are really lacking with the facilities we've got (for yachts,)" said Coun. Nelson Kinney.
Pond said the city simply has not been able to move forward with any plans for new moorage during the past few years because of financial constraints. But as the community's situation improves, it is an area of development where the city intends to put some planning effort.
"As we become a little bit stronger, it's something this community could use," said Pond.
"It is often identified as untapped potential on the waterfront."

He noted there are many yachts traveling the Inside Passage and Alaskan waters that pass Prince Rupert by because of its lack of facilities.

"On a per-passenger basis, they are perhaps the biggest-spending tourists that come through," said Pond.

Teaming up with a private developer could solve that problem. The interests behind the Chances Community Gaming Centre are one company that has expressed interest in developing new marina facilities in coming years, however those plans are far from concrete.

City administrator Gord Howie noted that one of the top recommendations from the city's Official Community Plan is to bring together all the waterfront stakeholders and develop a waterfront plan. This includes looking at what type of moorage is currently available and what type is needed.

"From a planning perspective, I could see council getting into that discussion later on this year," said Howie.

It is no secret that there is shortage of marine space in Prince Rupert. This summer, the Port Edward Harbour Authority wanted to remove the fish-cleaning tables from the Rushbrook Floats because there was simply too much traffic from charter operators, among other reasons.
However, the charter operators argued there was nowhere else to go.

Even as far back as 2004, the international yachting community was complaining about a lack of facilities in Prince Rupert.

Reanne Hemingway-Douglass and Don Douglass, who produce yachting guidebooks, noted dozens of vessels being turned away from the local yacht club on busier summer days in 2004.