Marina Requires New Permit From Transport Canada

VICTORIA – Due to the down-zoning of the Crown water lot by the City of Victoria, a new, smaller marina design is now being proposed for the Victoria International Marina (VIM). As a result, Transport Canada has requested a new navigable waters permit for the development.

“When the down-zoning occurred, we immediately went to work to assess the economic viability of a smaller marina and have come up with a 29-slip marina for boats 65-150 feet in length,” said Lachlan MacLean, Vice-President, WAM Development Group. “The new marina will be about half the size of the original proposed marina.”

“We submitted the drawings for the smaller marina to Transport Canada requesting an amendment to our existing permit,” said MacLean. “Unfortunately, amendments are rare, so we are required to go through the process once again.”

“However, given there are no significant changes to the marina plans, we have been advised that officials will rely on much of the information and research that has already been conducted as part of the earlier, exhaustive permit process and we will provide any additional information as required.”

As a requirement of the permit process, print advertisements will run in local media informing the public of VIM’s desire to seek a new permit and requesting public comment up to December 27^th.  All public comment will be sent to Transport Canada for consideration as the new permit is prepared.

We expect approvals from the Provincial Government will be pending the issuance of a new permit from Transport Canada. It is our understanding the Province has all the information they require at this point. Further, the City of Victoria has confirmed that the new dock layout conforms to all zoning requirements.  

Victoria International Marina recognizes there has been considerable community discussion regarding the merits of the project. Anyone interested in the facts of the project, including studies ordered as part of the review process, can visit the VIM website at: www.marinafacts.ca.

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For more information contact:
Kim Van Bruggen
Communications Director
250-727-7464