Ladysmith receives first round of federal funding for derelict boats

The Town of Ladysmith has received just over $62,000 in funding through Transport Canada's Abandoned Boat Program (ABP), Assessment and Removal Component to support the Ladysmith Harbour - Phase 1 (Beached Vessels) Clean-Up Project. This initial round of funding will be used to remove several beached vessels from the Ladysmith harbour area known as the Dogpatch.

"We are pleased the federal government has signaled its commitment to assist in the removal of abandoned and/or wrecked small boats currently posing grave environmental threats and safety hazards in Ladysmith-area waters," said Ladysmith Mayor Aaron Stone. "However, there is still much work to be done to clean up and protect our harbour. Further, Council is aware that some people live in the Dogpatch - we'd like to work with them to identify appropriate, environmentally responsible options."

Work to remove the beached vessels will commence this week. The Town's next step will be to apply for funding through the ABP program to remove a number of derelict and abandoned floating vessels, as well as request funds to remove sunken vessels once an underwater surface scan has been conducted by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.