Owners of wrecked, abandoned boats could now be fined up to $6 million

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) It may now be easier to have wrecked, abandoned or hazardous vessels removed.

The federal government passed Bill C-64 which prohibits anyone from abandoning a boat, and allows the government of Canada to remove problem vessels. It increases owner responsibility and liability for vessels.

Anyone who violates the act could be slapped with hefty penalties, up into the millions of dollars.

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Abandoned and wrecked vessels have been an issue along Vancouver’s shores before, and questions about who is responsible for removal have also been raised.

The government hasn’t addressed that concern specifically, but is pointing to two short-term funding programs from two years ago that support coastal communities in removing and disposing of high-priority, smaller vessels.

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Under the new act, individuals can be fined up to $50,000, and companies or corporations can be fined $250,000. Regulatory offence prosecution could result in $1 million in fines for individuals, and $6 million for companies or corporations.

“Abandoned and wrecked vessels can pose hazards, clutter our shorelines, affect sensitive marine habitats and species, and disrupt community activities,” Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard says in a press release. “This strengthened legislation ensures these problems are addressed quickly, before they become more serious.”

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It’s a very good start

The Deat Boat Disposal Society says the bill is a good first step.

John Roe with the society says the issue has been one that’s plagued coastal communities for years.

“It will take five years to implement it but the biggest thing is the identification of who owns these boats, that’s the biggest problem we have today,” he says.