The City of Surrey is putting an end to the illegal mooring of several dilapidated boats in a South Surrey river.
Working in partnership with Transport Canada, the City will be removing derelict boats on the Nicomekl River starting this month, noted a City release.
Instead of using several marinas in the lower section of the river, derelict boats have been illegally mooring on a narrow section of the Nicomekl in South Surrey.
In addition to dumping raw sewage and garbage into the water, the derelict boats are gathering salvaged debris, creating hazards for other boaters, the release said.
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“The Nicomekl River has many spots where boats can legally drop anchor,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke.
“There is no reason for any boater to illegally moor their vessel. The City is working with Transport Canada to remove the derelict boats and clean up the debris in that section of the river,” she continued.
“The Nicomekl is for all to use and is not a place for boat owners who illegally dock their boats with a complete disregard to the environment and the safety of others.”
Governed by the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, the cleanup of the derelict boats and any associated debris will be conducted through partnership with Transport Canada.
The work will start this month and will be continually monitored, the City noted.