In my last entry, I informed you about problems naturalists at Wreck Beach are having with boaters and people ripping across the water on jet skis.
The naturalistsfor those unclear on the definition, a naturalist is a naked personsay theyve noticed a substantial increase in party-goers on the water and are worried about the safety of swimmers.
Environmental degradation from emissions of marine craft, loud music and confrontations between naturalists and boaters are other concerns of Judy Williams and Cecile Bruyninckx of the Wreck Beach Preservation Society.
So both women showed up Tuesday at Metro Vancouvers environment and parks committee meeting to give the politicians an earful.
One of those politicians was Vision Vancouver Coun. Heather Deal, who is the chairperson of the committee. Deal dutifully reported back to me just minutes after the meeting concluded.
The committee had a ton of questions for [Metro] staff, some of which theyve looked into before, some of which they hadnt, she said by telephone.
What is unclear for Deal and her committee membersand Metro staffis who exactly is responsible for enforcing laws at the beach.
That includes responsibility for environmental impact on the land base from the ocean, the enforcement of laws related to boater safety and navigable waters.
Theres also confusion about the legal definition of a water lot and what exactly Metro Vancouver can do about any of this.
Before we say, Lets get rid of these, we have to find out what precisely we have the authority to even address, said Deal, noting Transport Canada has no plans to limit types of marine craft near the beach.
When told the naturalists see little or no patrols by any authorities, Deal said it shouldnt be no-mans land. Its a place where people have partied in their own way in a peaceful and respectful manner for decades.
Added Deal: Frankly, I dont think motorized vessels should ever share water with swimmers in a designated swimmers area.
Metro staff plan to return with answers possibly at the next committee meeting. Deal wants the issues addressed before the hot weather returns next summer.
I suspect theres not much we can do, but we may as well find out what we can do and act on that, she said.
Bruyninckx and Williams presented a petition to the committee with more than 2,500 names on it requesting action on the issues.
Bruyninckx said she came away from the meeting with mixed feelings and concerned the committee wasnt more on top of the jurisdictional issues.
On the positive side, we are confident we have been heard and understood, she said. But on the other side, there has been no action taken.
For the record, the naturalists were fully clothed during the meeting.
And so were we, joked Deal, referring to her and the rest of the environment committee members.
Note: I wanted to seek comment from boaters off the shore of the beach but the water was a little cold for a swim to get an interview and the Couriers jet ski is in the shop for repairs.
Twitter: @Howellings
