Squirrel Cove Rezoning Bylaw 171 Public Hearing

The controversial Squirrel Cove Marina proposal took another step toward approval  with the Public Hearing held at Gorge Harbour, Cortes Island on July 24.  At this time, no decision on the rezoning has been made.  Over 100 people attended the hearing at the Gorge Hall which was filled to capacity. 

The 4 Directors who will be voting on this rezoning proposal listened to passionate arguments both for and against the proposal for several hours. Many boaters attended the meeting and took the opportunity to express their
opposition to this proposal which would allow a 69 berth marina and a large industrial aquaculture area in the Squirrel Cove anchorage. 

Sheila Boutcher, President of the Council of B.C. Yacht Clubs and George Creek, President of the B.C. Marine Parks Forever Society were among those who spoke at the hearing. The boaters and others who oppose this proposal emphasized that approval of this application would result in the loss of good safe anchorage and the conversion of an undeveloped cove into a commercial and industrial aquaculture operation.  The current environment of Squirrel Cove would be permanently and drastically changed.

The final decision with regard to this rezoning proposal is now in the hands of the Strathcona Regional District Board.  A decision is expected sometime in August.