Victoria moves to evict illegal live-aboard boats

The City of Victoria is taking action against illegally moored boats in the Gorge waterway after limited success in persuading occupants to move voluntarily.

City clerk Chris Coatestold On the IslandhostGregor Craigiethatnotices are beingservedto about 15 boats anchored in the tidal inlet that connects Victoria Harbour to Portage Inlet.

The notices advise boat owners of city plans to seek an injunction to enforcezoning regulations that prohibitlong-term moorage.

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"There's notice served on those folks and then they have 21 days to respond as to whether they're going to comply or whether they want to challenge the city on the injunction," Coates said.

About half the boat owners have been served the notice.So far none hasresponded to the ultimatum, he said.

At least seven of the boats are occupied "with some degree of regularity," Coatessaid.

Seven other boats and their occupants left voluntarily.

"They went elsewhere. We're not especially clear where that is," Coates said.

"We did our best to connect them with services on land for alternative housing," he said.

Victoria'sbylaw banning overnight mooragewaspassed in August 2015.

The city thenapplied for and receiveda licence of occupation from the province, which allowed it to enforce the bylaw.

Concerns about the boats include environmental impact on sensitive eel grass habitat as well as on salmon and whale populations.

As well, residents living along the Gorge have complained aboutnoise,garbage and dumping of sewageby boat occupants.

With files from On the Island.

To hear the interview with Chris Coates go to Victoria moves to evict illegal live-aboard boats