Supporters

Backed by the community

The Victoria International Marina appreciates the support shown by the community leaders, businesses, tourism operators, marine communities, and individuals alike. We invite you to discover what our supporters have to say about the proposed development.

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"On behalf of the OCEAN Industries British Columbia association, I am writing today to express our support for the Victoria International Marine and ask that the new Government of Canada complete all processes required to allow Community Marine Concepts to proceed with the construction of this world class development."
Brian H. Barnett.
Chairman and Chief Governance Officer
OCEAN Industries British Columbia
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Gentlemen,

I realize there is a lot of debate about the proposed marina for the inner harbour here in Victoria including an upcoming Public Hearing where a couple of former mayors will oppose this development. These individuals as well as other special interest groups seem to forget about the economic spinoffs that will be created with this new marina.

I am in full support of this project. I live in a condo on the outer harbour area and am able to watch the various vessels and planes come and go throughout the day. The proposed marina would be a welcome addition to our beautiful harbour. While the economy has tanked, it will come back and those individuals who own these vessels will flock to our harbour not only because of the beauty but also because we live in a safe and stable country. The additional monies spent in our City will carry us through for a long time to come.

In addition, more people will start walking along Westsong Way to enjoy looking at these vessels and perhaps stop in at the proposed restaurant for a meal. We have such a beautiful city full of treasures; this proposed marina will be a welcome addition.

I am therefore asking that full approval be given to proceed with this project.

Sincerely,

Shirley Waldon

Good Morning, Mr. Baird,

Please accept my vote to complete the aspirations and benefits of the proposed Victoria International Marina, a project that will benefit both the capital of BC and the marine gateway to the Pacific.

J. H. Potter, BSc.,
Marine Consultant, Sidney, BC.

Dear Sirs and Honorable Members:

Please accept this note as one of full support of the proposed new marina site in Victoria – Victoria International Marina.

We are land developers in the Comox Valley, and have been studying marina sites in our area for over 4 years now. It is our firm belief, that there is a huge need for a facility like this, for local and tourist use. The lovely City of Victoria is the gateway that will bring many to it, and further up the Georgia Strait to places like Comox and Campbell River.
This particular site seems most conducive to a first class facility as the design reflects, and we support the efforts and dedication of the developers and their approach. Having been close followers of the principals for some years now, we can state, they are among the very best in our business, and their list of major accomplishments is growing annually.

Please give this project the attention it rightly deserves, and no doubt the right thing will be done in the end.
Regards and best wishes,

Kip Keylock
Ocean Estates Developments

Dear Sirs,

I would like to add some input to the Victoria International Marina controversy. I was a founding Director of the Victoria/Esquimalt Working Harbour Assoc., have been in the marine tourism business in Victoria for over 20 years, am a marina manager and whale watching captain.

I asked a friend of mine who captains a large yacht, well over 100 feet, that stays in local waters what his thoughts were on this marina and some of the issues around it. I share them.

The large yacht business is big and growing. We have about six shipyards in BC that specialize in such yachts and ship them all over the world. We also refurbish a number of cruise ships. We have a large compliment of very well trained respected personnel that can build, repair and crew these yachts in Victoria and Sidney.

There are only three slips in Victoria large enough for boats his size. My friend advises other yachters with similar boats not to come to Victoria or BC as there will likely be no facility for them to moor. He says that the BC/Alaska coast is becoming extremely popular because of its beauty, safety, friendly Canadians and the English language and that if there were more facilities to handle boats his size more would come and make a home here.

These vessels spend a lot of money here. They do not have everything they need on board as some profess. They fuel at local ports. They buy fresh groceries each week. They make local purchases for repairs and maintenance from a few dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars yearly. The owners make business investments in the community. They and their crews purchase art, clothes and books and go to concerts, shows, pubs and restaurants. Some of their children are schooled here.

The vessel my friend captains is used about 60% of the year. About 20% of the time is spent on maintenance and about 20% on lay up during the winter. These vessels, unlike many smaller yachts, are used extensively.

You need a large marina to pay for a large breakwater to protect any vessels at this location. There is heavy wave action in this area which was originally intended to be curtailed by a complimentary breakwater opposite Ogden Point. There is no reason why this marina can’t handle smaller vessels as well as large ones.

In all the years I have gone in and out of Victoria Harbour twice a day in the summer season I have rarely seen kayakers in this area although this marina has arranged to accommodate them. We have been told by the experts that airplane and vessel safety will not be affected. The vessels we are talking about have highly skilled captains with international certification. It’s the small ones that are the danger. For those who complain about noise, smell and views I say move.

This harbour is the reason Victoria is here. It has been a working harbour since day one. If you think it’s crowded now take a look at some pictures from 100 years ago. Many people have worked for a long time to re-establish a viable working harbour that will benefit our community. If we want to encourage and support this economic source we must support the infrastructure they need. The yacht industry is good business.

Bill Day
ecotourscanada.com

Hello,

I was just walking by the water and walked past a couple of people standing around asking for signatures for their petition to not build the mega yacht marina. I disagreed with them, I feel that these yachts will be a very positive addition. I believe some people aren't really given the chance to envision what this addition will bring when they are told "it will block the walk way", "you won't be able to see the water or mountains" and "it goes from there all the way to there". I am a resident at Shutters and think that the yacht marina will make my walk even more enjoyable. I imagine myself walking down the path looking at the water and the mountains taking the first turn and seeing the glimpses of a beautiful world class yacht on a summer day. The addition to this part of the walk way would be a very good thing for our community. There should be someone standing there holding a petition against their petition.

Alfred Kong

"This letter is in support for the proposed Victoria International Marina"
Steve Thorpe-Doubble
Chemainus Quay & Marina Complex ltd.
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"On behalf of the BC Yacht Brokers Association, I would like to express our support for the proposed Victoria International Marina and encourage your government to move forward with approval of the proposal submitted by Community Marine Concepts."
Alan Stovell, President, BC Marine Trades Association
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“I bought a condo many years ago in the Songhees as it promised a marina and restaurant. It never happened even though it was approved. I sold.”
Fred Miller, Victoria
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“The addition of the proposed marina in Victoria's harbour will be a wonderful asset for the city.”
Bev Highton, Victoria
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“Having worked within the large yacht industry, I can tell you they are powered by high-tech engines that are more fuel efficient than most boats in our harbour, including mine.”
Samuel L. Livingstone, Cordova Bay
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“I believe the project will have strong city-wide support and I strongly support the concept...”
Tony Cox, Victoria resident and former News Director
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“...there is a desire within the community to preserve and enhance the concept of a working harbour that supports and generates new ways to support and generate additional economic opportunities to our citizens.”
Brian Wesley, Chairman Business Victoria Economic Development Commission
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“The first mega yacht marina that you propose would attract additional high end visitors to Victoria and create an economic ripple effect with positive benefits...”
Ken Norie, President VIH Aviation Group
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“Your marina proposal is an outstanding example of the type of project that we strongly support. It has been professionally designed to minimize its impact on the environment, the waterfront, on marine and floatplane traffic, while providing a service to the marine and mega yacht industry that is sadly lacking within Victoria Harbour.”
Barry Holmes, Chair
Ocean Industries BC

“I am also convinced that the aesthetic impact on the marine entrance to Victoria will be positive…”
John G. Sanderson P. Eng
Founder and President, Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society
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“The proposed Victoria International Marina project does not pose any undo risk to seaplanes operating in and out of the Victoria Harbour.”
Wayne McNeal, President
McNeal & Associates Consultants Ltd.
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"Hyack Air fully supports the proposed Victoria International Marina...”
James T. Allard, Vice President
Hyack Air
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“I enthusiastically support your proposed plans for the Port of Victoria Yacht Club as the next step on the road to marine industry development on the west coast of Canada.”
Brian H. Barnett
President and Chief Executive Officer
OCN- Ocean Crewing Network
President, Ocean Industries, BC
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“Will be a definite asset to the harbour."
Captain John (Jack) Bragg, MNI, President
The Greater Victoria Marine Air Safety Society
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"No issues regarding soil contamination with the upland commercial development is expected from this project.”
Chris Zamora, R.P.Bio. Senior Biologist
Chatwin Engineering
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“You are creating a landmark that puts Victoria on the world map…”
Wayne Strandlund
Fisgard Asset Management
Past President, BC Real Estate Assoc.
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“Our city’s harbour is for everyone and this proposal will only increase the enjoyment of the harbour for residents and visitors.”
David Davies, President
HarbourWerks Strategies
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“The economic development opportunities and community benefit are significant.”
Bruce Carter, Chief Executive Officer
Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
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“Given the insight and the long term involvement of the principals behind this proposal, it is encouraging to see that they are finally in a position to proceed with this much needed facility.”
Paul Hadfield, President
Spinnakers Brew Pub
Vice-Chair Tourism Victoria
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“The Westbay Performance Paddling Club and its 75 members endorses this exciting project…”
Pete Hartman, President
Westbay Performance Paddling Club
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"I know from personal experience that marina visitors return a considerable dividend to the community in terms of spending at restaurants, hotels, retail, and marine suppliers."
Rick Arora
Art Dealers Collections
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"The marina will increase public access to the waterfront in Vic West. By making the floats fully accessible to the public, they will have a greater opportunity to enjoy the harbour."
Mark W. Flynn
Flynn Brothers Publishing
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"The proposed marina at the Songhees land is a positive step for Victoria. I work in the tourism industry in downtown Victoria and welcome the creation of additional marina space in the Inner Harbour."
Martin Arora
Madison Avenue Holdings LTD.
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"A marina that caters to large yachts of 80 feet and longer would be a valuable asset to our marine surroundings. Currently, there are no facilities in our area that can service these large vessels."
Greg Evans
Maritime Museum of British Columbia Society
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"The facility may well be the catalyst we are looking for when it comes to closer contact with the other professional marine associations. We look forward to seeing the Marina as a showpiece in the harbour very soon."
Captain James K. Steele
Nautical Institute
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"Having reviewed this proposal and as a resident of Victoria living close to the harbour I see this as a benefit to downtown living and therefore wish to express my support to Council."
William Nixon
Retired Police Chief
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"From my understanding, this marina has been in the plans for over fifteen years and I sincerely believe it will not only enhance this already coveted part of our waterfront, but add vitality to the area and improved waterfront access for all."
Tom Woods
Rock Solid Foundation
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"The proposed Victoria International Marina, with its inspired design, is an excellent example of high quality marina development.. and gives us business confidence as we develop the full market potential of this area."
Rick Gladych
Yacht Path Pacific, L.L.C.
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