Basin concerns not resolved

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To the Editor,

Re: Battle for the Boat Basin, Jan. 26.

We have grave concerns regarding the proposed redevelopment of the Nanaimo Boat Basin and the signing of a  memorandum of understanding for a 30-year lease with the Pacific Northwest Marina Group by the Nanaimo Port Authority.

We do not oppose development per se, but are opposed to this particular memorandum and lease because of the lack of transparency in the tendering process; a lack of adequate consultation with the affected citizens of Nanaimo and in particular, the First Nations; a lack of assurance of public right of access, especially to the citizens of Protection Island who pay taxes and rely/expect to be able to access the City of Nanaimo by boat (our only means of access to the city); potential loss of temporary tie-up for shopping, commercial fishing industry, off-loading and ondock fish/crab sales and floating restaurants; a lack of adherence to the charter signed between the City of Nanaimo and the Nanaimo Port Authority, which outlined the relationship between the city and the authority; a lack of economic impact study to the city; and a change from a civic marina to a private/leased marina with limited input from stakeholders.

There are too many unanswered questions and lack of communication over this issue that affects so many citizens.

We are hoping before the 30-year lease is signed with Pacific Northwest Marina Group, there is a re-canvassing of all the outstanding issues.

Gavin Soanes

Wendy Chandler

Protection Island