| False Creek Tidings | The
Newsletter of False Creek Fishermen's Wharf |
False Creek Harbour Authority Signs Lease!
After three long years of hard negotiations, the False Creek Harbour Authority has finally signed a long term lease with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. This lease enables the FCHA to better fulfill its mandate to maintain False Creek as a commercial fishing harbour.
The False Creek Harbour Authority is committed to preserving the fish boat facilities as a valuable asset for the citizens of Greater Vancouver. In order to carry out this mandate, the Directors of the FCHA have negotiated a long-term lease with Small Craft Harbours Branch(SCHB) of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
This lease, effective December 1st 1998, allows the
FCHA to set the policy and direction to fulfill this mandate.
Your Directors have bargained hard for the past three years to develop an agreement that allows the FCHA to determine its own future, serve the needs of the membership and preserve the facility as a commercial fishing harbour.
With the signing of the lease, the FCHA will, in cooperation with SCHB, be able to implement those projects which benefit the membership. Capital project priority is given to Harbour Authorities. The Fish Sales Float is the first of many joint venture projects that can now be planned for the future.
Future Projects Now Possible |
 | Electrical Upgrade – Our electrical system is currently running near capacity. This does not allow any room for upgrading electrical service on the floats or upland areas. |
| Seawall Upgrade -The current sheetpile seawall is nearing the end of its lifecycle. A replacement plan would involve better parking, access and unloading facilities while minimizing impact to the environment. |
| Float Upgrades-The average beam of vessels has significantly increased since this facility was built. There is need of newer and wider slips for harbour users. |
Lease signed * public fish sales * Harbour news
After 2 years of planning, environmental reviews and negotiation, the Public Fish Sales Float has begun operational testing. Designed to allow Commercial Fishermen to sell their catch directly to the Public, this long awaited facility serves to provide Commercial Fishermen with direct retail opportunities for their product. This project was a joint venture between the FCHA, DFO and Fisheries Renewal BC. All Commercial Fishermen are welcome to use this facility subject to the procedures outlined in the FCHA Fish Sales Directive.
The Sales Float also allows the FCHA to free up other berths for vessels. Public Safety is also improved with this new facility. Customers can be kept away from the rest of the harbour where commercial activities could pose a hazard. Our advertising campaign has already started and will continue under the direction of the Advertising Committee. The FCHA hopes to have a Grand Opening of the Sales Float in January 1999.In the meantime, please tell your friends about our Sales Float and support your fellow members.
HARBOUR NEWS
| The FCHA Christmas Party will be held on Friday, December 18, 1998 at the Harbour Office from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. All Members are welcome. |
| What's with all the signs? The increased signage has been necessary to meet our insurance requirements. Lower insurance costs assist us in keeping your moorage rates low. |
| Speed bumps have been installed at the entrance to the Harbour for your safety. Please observe the 10km/h speed limit. |
| Please register your vehicle at the office. To obtain a parking permit you must provide the make and license. |
| Congratulations to Bruce & Dianne on the MANDALA I on the birth of their new son, Chance. In typical fisherman fashion, we were told that Chance weighed a whopping 8 lbs 3 ounces at birth! |
| Open Storage is now being cleaned up. Any goods in open storage not properly marked with a CFV number will be disposed off in accordance with FCHA policy. |
| Space at "E" Float is for Commercial Fishing Vessels over 50 feet only unless authorized by harbour management. |
| Members are needed for help on various FCHA sub-committees. Get involved and have your voice heard. Please contact the office for more information. |
DFO Buy-Back Information
The Directors of the FCHA have made a policy decision on CFV's involved in the DFO Licence buy-Back Program. Members who sell their licence will continue to receive CFV moorage rates subject to the following conditions:
| CFV rates will apply to the vessel for a Grace Period of 12 months from the date that the licence was sold. |
| The Grace Period only applies to the licence holder at the time the licence was sold. |
| Locker Leasees will have a Grace Period of 12
months from the sale of their Licence to buy another licence before giving up their
locker. |
Other Policy Information
| Large unclaimed goods will be disposed of at the discretion of the Board of Directors. |
| Some unclaimed goods will be auctioned by sealed bid at the discretion of the Board of Directors. |
AGM
Effective December 11, 1998 Nominations for Directors are open. The closing date will be January 26, 1999. For details please inquire at the harbour office.
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
Please contact the harbour office.
Thanks
-Harbour Management