Save Halkett Bay

More than 650 boaters, island residents and visitors have signed a petition to say NO to an ex-Naval vessel being dumped in Halkett Bay Marine Park.

Dozens of others have sent letters and emails to decision-makers. Here's some of what they had to say.

Feedback from www.savehalkett.com:

“I am writing to voice our dismay and concern over the proposal to sink a warship and create an artificial reef in Halkett Bay.”
-- A.S., Vancouver


“The long and short of the proposal by ARSBC is to expand recreational opportunities for its members -- while conveniently cloaking its motives in platitudes about under-sea enhancements.”
-- J.D, Comox

“The sinking of the ship will cause untold harm to the fragile eco-system, and leaching and rusting will leave a ticking time bomb in the bay, with great negative impact for generations.
 
“Halkett is a very special place, with raw beauty that sends shivers up your spine.  To think of blemishing such a delicate habitat is unimaginable.”
--N.S., North Vancouver

“The size of this ship is enormous and when in use as a diving location, it will require a large exclusionary zone that will definitely deter recreation and moorage in the bay (and create a safety hazard, in my view).”
--A.S., Vancouver

“I cannot believe they are thinking of doing this.

“This bay is used a lot by our membership.  We are totally opposed to this.”
--T.C., Tiddly Cove Yacht Club


 “Where does it end? What about ATV tours on the secluded trails in the park to be used only by commercial outfits?”
--Y.S., Vancouver

“It's interesting how aggressively they are pushing this location and while there are few traditional owners at Halkett, there are actually thousands of owners: the users of the Park.”
--P.E., Vancouver

“I am a scuba diving instructor and a wreck diver.

“Although I have no objection to the sinking of ships in other locations provided that environmental issues can be addressed, the ARSBC has no place in Halkett Bay.”
--A.C., Toronto


“What you have here is a new private interest detracting from the natural state of our park by adding a piece of junk that is likely to only be a submerged piece of junk (nothing more) and parading it as a good idea for getting tourists out to Gambier.”
-- C.W., Vancouver

 “Frankly, it is shocking to me that an area specifically designated as a marine park could be subject to such development.”
--S.G., North Vancouver

“I have had the opportunity to be in Halkett Bay on a beautiful sunny weekend last summer and it was crazy busy with people coming to swim, paddle, enjoy the beach and use the park.”
--T.M., Vancouver

 “Please help the diving enthusiasts find an alternative dumping ground and leave Halkett Bay as it is.”
-- R.M, Vancouver

“The ARSBC proposal is antithetical to the nature and purpose of a protected marine park.”
-- A.C., Toronto

“Please do not allow this to happen. There is no question that it will adversely affect the area and severely limit the current recreational opportunities enjoyed by so many.”
-- J.S., Vancouver

“I truly hope that the consideration of dumping a wreck in Halkett Bay is passed over. (O)ur environment and wildlife are much more important than money!”
-- J.M., Port Coquitlam

“This reminds me of something Jamaica or some other third-world country would do to capture cruise ship tourists and all-inclusives, rather than what our BC parks would agree to, with all of the strength of our many, many beautiful parks and waterways available to us.”
-- C.W., Vancouver

“I don't agree with the commercial motivation behind the project and all the access restrictions that come with it.”
-- B.H., Port Coquitlam

“This small bay is a beautiful, complete eco-system. I'm hoping you may be able to help make sure that this area is well protected for our future and stop this inappropriate situation. Thank you for your help.”
-- L.D., Hopkins Landing

“I have been told that B.C. Parks may be operating under the assumption that Halkett Bay Marine Park is being underutilized.

“If that is the impression of your organization, I say this is likely based on an impression with limited information because anybody who has used the park over the years has seen an explosion in use by recreational boaters.”
-- A.S., Vancouver

“It is inconceivable to us that anyone should be allowed to introduce such a thing in a Provincial Marine Park, created by our government. Please remember that we have only two such marine parks in Howe Sound.”
-- J.S., West Vancouver

“I have already made plans to attend the sinking, and I hope that the efforts of a non-representative few will not derail all the labor and effort that has gone into this plan.”
-- C.C., Gambier Island

“The idea of a commercially influenced group of divers want[ing] to blow up and sink a ship that cannot be guaranteed to be non-toxic, essentially crushing and displacing the healthy aquatic life that currently lives on the floor where this ship should land, is offensive and infuriating.”
--M. K, East Vancouver

“Smells of NIMBY. This project will a benefit to BC and tourism.”
--J.V., Sunshine Coast

“This bay currently supports several different thriving ecosystems – from the large sea bird population, to the new family of river otters that now have 3 pups – if you then cover their food base with an artificial structure, what is going to happen?”
-- K.M., Vancouver