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Viewpoint: Boaters enjoy south harbour upgrade

by Rob Stokes When I became aware that Westview’s south harbour was being revamped in order to better serve transient boaters, I was pleased.

by Rob Stokes When I became aware that Westview’s south harbour was being revamped in order to better serve transient boaters, I was pleased. For years the boating public passed by this area as Westview presented an awkward facility and never bothered to provide the expected. As part of the awareness of change, I committed to stopping by myself this year, with my family, and “test driving” the improvements. We did and, with one exception, we were not disappointed.

We entered the harbour and headed to the fuel dock. After fueling we were quickly directed to a slip, and the wharfinger himself was there to help us tie and welcome us. We were two boats and consumed about 75 feet of dock. After filling us in on what Westview had to offer, he invited us to the office at our convenience to register and pay.

The check-in process was professional and casual, the fees fair and, with one exception, the rules completely expected. The docks, while not new, were totally acceptable, the “land-based” improvements at the head of the dock extremely well done and the washroom/shower facilities are well deserving of a very bright gold star. The new “power towers” on the docks were perfect and good potable water was available a hose length away.

The stroll down Marine Avenue and back was one of the best “boat walks” a set of sea legs could ask for. Shops were visited, buses were taken, museums were walked through, dinner was purchased and a comfortable night was spent as we sat out a northwest wind tucked in the lee of a solid breakwater. Early next morning our exit was simple.

Overall, we were extremely impressed with the improvements. When compared to other locations, Westview offers far more commercial amenities to the transient boater. There’s more to do and without a doubt Westview is now on the official stopover list for us. Nice job.

The one disappointment is we were not allowed to barbecue on our boats. While this sounds like a trivial inconvenience, it’s actually much more than that as the boat barbecue is the primary means of meal preparation for many boaters. This unfortunate rule resulted in some shifted dinner plans and while it was accommodated, it’s a rule that needs to be changed.

I understand the desire not to have barbecues on the dock itself, but to ban the use of boat-based barbecues is shortsighted and over the top. I sincerely hope that the rule is revisited, reviewed and modified appropriately to strike the balance between convenience and safety that other competing marinas have found.

So to those who were brave enough to buck the naysayers and who planned out the changes to this facility, congratulations. You’re well on your way to hitting the mark. As for us, we will return, as will the friends who were with us. And we’ll both be encouraging other transient boaters to give Westview a second look...you’ve earned it.

Rob Stokes is a former resident of Powell River, and spent many childhood years boating out of the old south harbour, moving small double-enders out of the way in order to spend the day on the water.