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Powell River harbours near capacity for longer stays

Vessel owners should make reservations as soon as possible, says city manager of operation services
Powell River manager of operation services Shawn Cator
FILLING UP: South and Westview Harbours in Powell River are getting close to capacity for longer-term moorage and city manager of operation services Shawn Cator is suggesting that boaters who want to moor their boats there over the summer should reserve moorage now. Contributed photo

With significant demand being placed on moorage in Powell River, boaters are encouraged to reserve moorage in the South and Westview Harbours as soon as possible.

According to the city’s manager of operational services Shawn Cator, the South and Westview Harbours, with a capacity for 100 vessels, are now at about 80, and the waiting list for the North Boat Harbour is close to 150.

“Last year we had the same issue where we were just getting too many boats wanting to come in the summertime,” said Cator. “Obviously, that’s the most predominant time for boaters. We were just filling up. We hadn’t had that issue in years before that but we anticipate the same thing happening this year.”

The harbours being at over capacity last year took some boaters by surprise so Cator said the city wanted to let people know about the trend.

“People came in close to summer in May or June and asked, ‘what do you mean you’re full?’” said Cator. “We wanted to make sure we get the word out there this year that we are busy. Moorage is at a premium.”

With the exception of transient boaters who visit Powell River one or two nights and pay a daily rate, longer-term moorage is only available for a three-month term. Monthly moorage rates were eliminated for the South and Westview harbours in 2018.

“We've changed from minimum moorage of one month to three months,” said Cator. “If you come into the South Harbour and you want to get moorage, you have to buy three months’ worth of moorage and you can't buy anything less than that.”

Reservations for the South and Westview Harbours can be made in person at the wharfinger’s office.