August 12, 2021 - Partial advocacy success - Ottawa announces new system to improve marine vessel traffic flow in Southern British Columbia

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Bowen, Denman, Gabriola, Galiano, Gambier, Hornby, Lasqueti, Mayne, N. Pender, Salt Spring, Saturna, S. Pender, Thetis 
 
 
August 12, 2021 – for immediate release 2021-15-IT 
 
Partial advocacy success 
Ottawa announces new system to improve marine vessel traffic flow in Southern British Columbia 
 
Lək
̓
 ʷəŋən, METULIYE/Victoria, B.C. - After more than 15 years advocating for Ottawa to reduce and ultimately 
eliminate 33 freighter anchorages, Islands Trust learned today that Transport Canada and the Vancouver Fraser Port 
Authority will be working with partners to design a ‘ new system to improve marine vessel traffic movement.  
 
"Over the years, Islands Trust has voiced concerns about the potential oil spill and other risks freighters pose to the 
marine environment and marine species, and the negative noise and light impacts to local communities ,” shared 
Peter Luckham, Islands Trust Council Chair.  “We have been to Ottawa to meet with the Minister of Transport and 
written dozens of letters. We were happy to learn about today's announcement but feel more needs to be done. We 
will continue to advocate for complete elimination of anchorages in the fragile ecosystems of the Gulf Islands." 
 
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and Transport Canada aim to complete the new system by March 31, 2022.  During 
the process, they will engage a variety of partners including, Indigenous groups and local organizations and consider 
potential regulatory changes that would support the development of this new system. 
 
“We look forward to participating in this consultation,” said Peter Luckham. “Working in partnership to address 
concerns and find solutions is a welcome approach.” 
 
The new system, proposed by the federal government and Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, will manage marine 
vessel traffic and optimize the supply chain flow. Once implemented, this system is intended to: 
 Strengthen maritime safety by reducing congestion;  
 Reduce environmental impacts, including noise impacts in Southern Resident killer whale habitat, by limiting  
vessel movements; and 
 Reduce negative social impacts (like ambient noise and light pollution) by reducing overall anchorage use and 
implementing a code of conduct for vessels at anchorage. 
 
Islands Trust has been one of many voices calling for an end to anchorages in Southern B.C. We have worked 
alongside First Nations, communities, conservation protection groups, other governments, and individuals. Today, 
we are pleased to know these voices were heard, but we will continue to advocate for the complete elimination of 
commercial freighter anchorages in the Trust Area. 
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News Release 
200 - 1627 Fort Street Victoria B.C. | V8R 1H8 
Telephone 250.405.5151 | FAX: 250.405.5155 
Toll Free via Service BC in Vancouver 604.660.2421 | in B.C. 1.800.663.7867 
information@islandstrust.bc.ca | www.islandstrust.bc.ca 

 
 
About Islands Trust 
Islands Trust is a federation of special-purpose government bo

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