Small craft harbours Pacific Regional Harbour Authority Advisory Committee (PRHAAC)

Record of discussion

Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Hybrid via MS Teams and in-person

1. Welcome and review of agenda

The Group started the meeting by doing a round of introductions.

2. Review of RoD and action items from May 29, 2023, meeting

The group went over the past action items. Below is the list of the action items:

3. SCH update

1. Staffing changes:

   SCH gave an update on the recent staffing changes within the program. Those updates were:

   • Jonathan Thar has accepted an opportunity to lead the Sustainable Fisheries Framework (SFF) team within Fisheries Management and his last day with SCH was August 18, 2023.
   • Client Services team will be piloting a new organizational structure, where Mina Jung and a second Client Services Manager will be reporting to the “Manager of Client Service and Indigenous relations”.
   • Katie Rattan will be assuming the role of Manager of Client Service and Indigenous Relations for the interim. She will continue maintaining her negotiations portfolio and also manage Jonathan’s files until the hiring process for the second Client Service Manager is complete.
   • Taskeen Danekari is back with the SCH Engineering team after recently finishing her Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from UBC. She was previously a co-op student with us.

   The group raised concerns about working with inexperienced engineers, particularly students or junior engineers. There appears to be a lack of understanding of construction materials and new construction methods among these engineers. There was a recent instance of engineers receiving incorrect materials, leading to difficulties in the construction process.

   The group also suggested to implement a process for more timely communication of relevant staffing changes to Harbour Authorities (HAs).

2. General updates:
   1. Abandoned and Wrecked Vessel Removal Program (AWVRP)

      AWVRP has become an annually funded program with $250K nationally which targets to . This year, there was a national target to remove 15 vessels, but National HQ approved the removal of 18 vessels. 4 of which were in Pacific; Cortes Island, Discovery, Steveston and Gibsons Landing.

      A question was raised about why disposal costs for vessel removal in Pacific are so much higher compared to other regions. The group provided insight, mentioning limited contractors as well as the challenges they face regarding disposal of materials. Steveston also mentioned that provincial disposal charges have increased significantly in recent years.

      The group highlighted that Ganges Harbour has a significant number of vessels of concern, liveaboards, and abandoned vessels, with potential implications for other harbours. The lack of housing and mental health issues among boat inhabitants were also discussed.

      Steveston mentioned that Shelter Island Marina has an area for disposing of vessels to prevent the harbour from having to do it themselves and the worry about the environmental impacts to the harbour.

      The group discussed some opposition to the 25% HA portion for AWVRP and seeing if that could be removed. A hypothetical example of leaving a derelict vessel until it sinks was mentioned, as CCG would come to remove it and the HA wouldn’t have to pay anything. Through AWVRP, the HA is responsible for 25% (cash or in-kind), which some view as unfair and may discourage participation in AWVRP.

      Members explored ways to reduce the 25% liability for HAs and suggest SCH advocate for a change in funding to lessen the financial burden on Harbour authorities, especially ones with low capacity.

      Action item: Find out when the reminder for AWVRP applications occurs and sent it to Steveston in advance to prepare. Completed on March 27, 2023

   2. Vessels of Concern (VoC)

      SCH recently met with the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and Transport Canada (TC), to discuss roles and responsibilities and VoC issues in and around SCH harbours. CCG is in a transitionary period where the roles and responsibilities of VoC and Environmental Response (ER) teams are shifting and evolving. As per SCH’s discussions with CCG, ER will be assessing VoCs, addressing any hazards. VoC will be turning their efforts to enforcement in order to encourage responsible vessel ownership. CCG VoC issued their first fine of $15K, to an owner whose vessel posed a hazard to the marine environment as well as the public’s safety.

      This may make it more difficult to deal with VoCs at SCH harbours as CCG, SCH, TC, all have different authorities and limited funding.

      SCH is working with CCG and TC to clarify the VoC process for the HAs. Once that has been confirmed, SCH will share with all harbours.

      The group expressed concerns about the impracticality of fining homeless individuals living on derelict vessels, as this will not address the root of the problem. They emphasized the need for a more proactive approach to addressing homelessness and mental health instead of relying on fines.

      The issue of homelessness is recognized as being interconnected with derelict vessels.

      The group also made a mention of an informal “amnesty” scenario where people can place mooring buoys without leases. A suggestion is made to approach the registered owners of derelict vessels to take responsibility for their vessels.

      The discussion touched on Bill C-64 and its impact on derelict vessels. There is frustration among the group over the lack of action following the bill's passage.

      Action item: SCH to include a discussion on the challenges and frustrations related to derelict vessels and homelessness in the presentation to NHAAC for a broader perspective. Also to ensure these topics are raised at NHAAC: Bill C-64, AWVRP Vessel sinking loophole, and lack of overall program funding. Will be discussed at NHAAC on November 6-10

   3. Pacific Salmon Strategy Inititative (PSSI)

      SCH mentioned that all license retirement contracts have been signed and that the License Retirement Program (LRP), is processing the payments in batches. As for the Vessels and Gear disposal program (VGDP) during the LRP application process. Posters have also been sent out to HAs, targeting vessel owners who successfully retired their commercial fishing licenses. HAs are encouraged to share the poster with anyone interested in learning more about VGDP.

      Some vessel owners who initially showed interest in the VGDP, had sold their vessels, so the actual update is still unknown.

      Due to confidentiality reasons, SCH is unable to provide a list of vessels who no longer have a license attached. Once LRP updates the information on their website, SCH will share the link. Any vessels that are no longer licensed will not appear. There was some frustration expressed with this process, but the group acknowledged the concerns regarding privacy and the inability to release the required information.

      As for next steps, VGDP is firming up vessel disposal activities with Port Edward HA and Port Hardy. Steveston has confirmed their disposal vendor.

      In the meantime, VGDP has been answering inquiries and will be working with vessel owners who confirmed retirement of their vessels. SCH is hopeful that vessel disposal activities can commence in the coming fall.

      It was brought forward that a museum in Oona River is interested in restoring a historical vessel for the purpose of putting it on display at their museum. A question was raised asking if the HA can use some of the PSSI disposal funding to assist with the museums request.

      It is important to note that vessels and gear applications are open until January 2026 or until funding has run out.

      Action item: SCH to see if it can assist with the request from the museum and have the vessel removed and restored, using PSSI disposal funding. In-Progress

   4. BC Assessment Notices

      The group discussed how some SCH harbours have been receiving notices from the Vancouver Assessment Office regarding their Marina Property Income Statement. SCH Property has confirmed and relayed that these notices do not apply to us as our harbours are under Federal jurisdiction. Any harbours that receive such notices should forward them to their POs to relay to SCH Property for confirmation. In some cases, BC assessment has the wrong info in their files and therefore it can create confusion. SCH is not aware of any HAs that have paid these notices.

4. NHAAC Updates:

1. Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Working Group

   SCH Internal Working Group:
   Work has been done with national to look at different options to better recruit and retain volunteers and the feasibility of adapting some of these to the SCH context.

   Images were taken and interviews were performed at 12 harbours across the country. The footage taken is in the context of the 35th anniversary of the HA program. It will be used in future years to better recognize and promote the work of HAs. The draft video is being reviewed and once finalized, it will be shared with PRHAAC.

   NHAAC Working Group:
   The membership for the volunteer retention and recruitment subcommittee group has been confirmed. National requested that each region provides the names of 2 members. The volunteers from the Pacific region were Sheila Seidemann from Port Edward, and Carol Doyle from Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority.

   One staff from each region will also be invited. The first virtual meeting of this group will be held sometime in the coming fall.

   Action item: SCH to share a link of the 35th year anniversary video to the PRHAAC group. In-Progress

2. Indigenous Working Group

   SCH Internal Working Group:
   SCH has been working on reconciliation across program pillars and showcasing regional initiatives. Work has begun in terms of what initiatives SCH should be expanding and what new initiative the program could undertake. This will be translated into a new workplan for the next few years. Employee training discussions have also started.

   National has hired someone for Indigenous engagement. The group suggests celebrating individual harbors' achievements and highlights the importance of returning what was taken and addressing inequalities faced by Indigenous communities. They note the lack of mainstream media coverage on Indigenous issues.

   Action item: SCH to source find photos from the newly joined First Nation HAs to show at the HAABC seminar. (Ideally would be nice to have someone from one of the First Nation HAs to attend and open the seminar). In-Progress

3. Harbour Manager Pocket Guidebook Working Group

   The Harbour manager pocket guidebook is still a work in progress. A draft was shared with PRHAAC on Sep 29th. SCH incorporated the feedback received from the group and sent it to national on October 10th. National anticipates that the manual will be completed by March 2024.

5. NHAAC Presentation Topic Review

NHAAC in Saint John's, Newfoundland, from Nov 6 to 10.

Draft Agenda:

Day 1: Harbour Tour

Day 2: Welcome, SCH updates, Working groups, Tools for HAs, Group dinner

Day 3: Insurance, Greening harbours, Low carbon cement

Day 4: Coast Guard, Guest presentation SCH's NHAAC presentation focus: HAABC in Pacific, including reconciliation efforts with First Nation HAs during Covid.

PRHAAC members reviewed and discussed the NHAAC draft agenda. NHAAC requested that each region present one of their successful initiative. It was agreed that HAABC will be pacific region’s presentation.

PRHAAC members also discussed topics to be raised at the NHAAC meeting.

Action Item: SCH to create a draft NHAAC presentation that highlights HAABC efforts and forward to PRHAAC and HAABC to review. Completed on Oct 12, 2023

Lunch break - working lunch

6. Zone meeting update and discussion

The group discussed the up-coming Zone meeting schedule released by HAABC:

September 20 - North Coast Zone - Highliner Hotel Prince Rupert

October 3 - North Island – Port Hardy firehall training room

October 4 - Mid Island – CVHA Boardroom

October 12 - Sunshine Coast – Powell River

October 16 - Lower Mainland – False Creek Boardroom

October 17 - South Island – Ladysmith

7. Crane Policy Working Group

SCH formed a crane policy working group to manage crane-related risks and address liability issues. The group met three times and explored the idea of a user training program, including discussions with Fulford Certification. It was agreed that a clear SCH policy is necessary.

Key considerations for the proposed policy include:

• Occupational Health and Safety Requirements (regulated by WorkSafe BC, not SCH), such as pre-use inspection, inspection records, and operator qualification.
• HA-Crane Maintenance and Inspection Plans.
• Restricted access to cranes to prevent public use.
• Core or Non-Core status.
• Criteria for assessing sites with SCH-owned cranes or new crane requests, including usage, fee structure, revenue reinvestment, neighboring cranes, and user policies.

SCH plans to gradually implement the policy in 2024, pending further consultation with national and internal stakeholders, HAABC, PRHAAC, and focus groups. More details will follow once the policy is finalized.

There was some discussion amongst the group regarding the timing and rollout of this policy, SCH stated that it was still proposed with further consultation to follow. There was also a question asking if SCH was divesting itself of all cranes and SCH advised that is not currently part of the proposed plan. The goal is to focus SCH's limited resources on the cranes that are most needed and best support the mandate.

8. PRHAAC Suggested Agenda Topics

1. Liveaboards

   SCH mentioned that there is no specific SCH Liveaboard policy, however, HAs must develop their own liveaboard policy and ensure it is in place when deciding whether or not to accommodate liveaboards.

   HAABC has worked with Darren Williams to develop a agreement, which can be found on the HAABC website.

2. Dredging

   The group discussed the continued challenges that HAs face regarding dredging. Dredging both inside and outside of HAs waterlots have become a concern for many HAs. There are many issues related to dredging such as limited funding and dredging access outside of SCH waterlot jurisdiction. Steveston mentioned how boats have to wait for the tide to raise, in order to be able to safely access the wharfs and dock.

   The board asked SCH to continue advocating for increased funding from national regarding this issue. A recommendation was raised by the board to incorporate a sediment fee when owners are asked to renew their fishing licenses so that the money can assist the dire need of more dredging. The board also agreed that if dredging material can be recycled instead of disposed of, that it might help reduce the overall cost of the process. Currently there are a lot of procedures to follow when disposing of material at sea due to environmental concerns, and those procedures can delay any progress.

3. Staffing

   The group felt that past discussion touched on this topic enough. No one had anything else to add.

9. Terms of Reference Review

As there was limited time left in the meeting, the group decided that it would be best to review the terms of reference and code of conduct document afterwards. SCH has recommended some minor changes the document, which will be shared via email to PRHAAC so to solicit feedback.

Action Item: SCH to send an email to PRHAAC asking for feedback on the Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct edit recommendations. Completed on Sep 29, 2023.

10. Roundtable

Action Items from this meeting:

Next meeting dates: End of February or beginning of March 2024. Potentially February 26 – March 10.