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A Marina for Jericho Beach? |
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Written by Peter A. Robson
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 In this month’s currents, we report on a Vancouver Parks Board study on the future of the aging former RCAF seaplane pier at Jericho Beach on English Bay. News of the study came to PY via email from the Tiddly Cove Yacht Club, which highlighted the fact that none of the proposed ideas included a marina—something every boater knows we desperately need. We decided to do some digging. Managing editor Hilary Henegar contacted the Parks Board staff to ask why a new marina wasn’t on the table. They made it clear that the project’s $2 million budget would only accommodate a quick and easy solution—likely, demolishing or repairing the pier. They noted that a marina wasn’t on their radar and only the four existing proposals would be considered. They were none too pleased with PY for muddying the waters.
What surprises us most is that, as far as we can tell, the recreational yachting community (excluding perhaps the adjacent Jericho sailing centre) was not advised of the study—nor was it asked for input. Whether the Parks Board wants to hear it or not, they may soon be hearing plenty from boaters.
 The Jericho location would make an excellent marina: the waters are shallow, so building a rock breakwater wouldn’t be a massive undertaking; the area behind the beach is already parkland, surrounded by forest, so residents couldn’t complain about the view; the facility has its own road, so parking wouldn’t be an issue; plus, the environmental impact of building a breakwater and installing moorage is minimal.
The idea for a Jericho marina is not a new one. In the December 1973 issue, PY detailed a Parks Board study that looked at three options for the “Jericho Defence Lands.” One of those options—surprise, surprise—was for a breakwater and marina. Obviously, that did not happen, though we did get a great off-the-beach dinghy sailing centre.
There are plenty of great reasons for a new marina—whether financed by the Parks Board or through public-private partnership. Being near the ocean and boating year-round are key components of the West Coast lifestyle. That shows in the numbers alone—the B.C. recreational boating industry contributes $3.3 billion to the economy. The city already owns the profitable Heather and Burrard Civic marinas, and the Parks Board is well aware of the marina shortage in Vancouver.
One of the complaints we hear from visiting boaters is the sad lack of temporary mooring/anchoring facilities in the Vancouver area. Is “don’t come—we don’t have room” the message we want to send to the boaters of the world?
So what can be done? Following our discussions with Parks Board staff, the original deadline for public input (via an online survey) was moved from March 26 to May 9, so there’s still a bit of time to express your views; turn to pg. 18 for details on how to weigh in.
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