Red tide closure
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has closed a wide swath of the upper Sunshine Coast to harvesting shellfish due to unacceptable levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP). Effective immediately, Sub Areas 15-1, 15-2, 15-3, 15-4, 15-5 and 15-6 are closed to the harvest of bivalve mollusks, including clams, oysters, mussels, geoducks, scallops and cockles. The area is generally from the southern tip of Scotch Fir Point up to Cortes Island, including Okeover Inlet.
PSP, also known as red tide, can harmfully affect anyone consuming shellfish. Cooking does not destroy the PSP toxin.
Harvesters are strongly urged to contact their local Fisheries and Oceans Canada office for updates. In Powell River, the number is 604.485.7963. Detailed information can be found online.
Parsons Point
City of Powell River council voted at the June 7 meeting to consider Cranberry Lake and Parsons Point for park designation in the OCP (official community plan) and zoned park and playing fields in the zoning bylaw when both documents are reviewed.
The Cranberry Rate-payers’ Association had asked that council recognize Parsons Point, approximately 400 feet of land running between Cranberry Lake and Yukon Avenue, as a mini-park. It has traditionally been used as a passive recreation area and unimproved boat launch.
While it’s not possible to dedicate it as a park, it can be designated as a park in the OCP and can be zoned parks and playing fields.
