RCMP takes stand against float planes
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The Salt Spring RCMP intends to do everything in its power to prevent the use of float planes on island lakes.
“From this point forward, we are treating this as an offence under federal regulations,” said RCMP Corp. Martin Beardsmore. “When it does happen, we’ll be happy to follow up.”
Beardsmore said he anticipates the RCMP’s position will clear up “confusion of the past and ongoing grey areas concerning the use of float planes on island lakes.”
Pilots observed landing, taxiing or taking off on Cusheon, Stowell, Weston, Maxwell, Blackburn or St. Mary lakes will receive a letter notifying them of their offence under the federal government’s Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations.
Subsequent violations could result in a $100 fine.
Beardsmore made the announcement during the Water Council’s bi-monthly meeting at Lions Hall on Friday morning.
He advised people who witness float planes on restricted waters to take down the vehicle’s serial number and report incidents to Salt Spring RCMP.
“If we have that information, it’s hoped we can follow up accordingly,” he said.
The float plane issue made headlines after a pilot from Maple Ridge landed a small float plane on Cusheon Lake during the B.C. Day long weekend in August.
Wayne Hewitt, a Cusheon Lake-area resident, pursued the matter with multiple levels of government over several weeks to confirm that float planes are not permitted on island lakes.
Notice that the island’s Schedule 2 and 3 lakes are off-limits to pilots will be published in upcoming editions of the Water Aerodrome Supplement and Transport Canada’s Aeronautical Information Manual.
“I am happy with the way things turned out,” Hewitt said at Friday’s meeting. “There’s no reason why our lakes shouldn’t have the same level of protection as other water bodies used for drinking water in the province.”
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