While AMIB has a great history of building ramps on the island, 3 now in total, I feel that the best ramp has not yet been built. Ramps in other municipalities have a tie up location associated with them. They are protected from all inclement weather, and are infrequently placed where tidal streams can play havoc with boat launching and retrieving. There is always enough water to launch, and you don't need a 4-wheel drive to make it happen. AMIB's activities can be seen at our website, www.mayneboaters.com
Unfortunately, all ramps built to date were put in because we didn't have the ideal location for building. We do now.
With respect to the dock, I see it as an open community place, like a park, where kids and parents (or grandparents) can crab, fish, and picnic while the business of launching and retrieving boats goes on around the area. I see an interpretation centre of some kind, describing the local "finds" of marine life. I believe the inhabitants of the island would feel more secure about docking with a local government presence, and some regulations like those in White Rock where local property owners have priority, and local government controls how things are done. I for one would rather have my boat at a dock ready year round than to have it on a mooring buoy, even though the cost is less. The risk is also greater.
I know there are issues. I'd like to be able to address those in a civil way here. Mitigation is and has been possible in other areas.
Al Maxwell
Sunday, November 11, 2007
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8 comments:
I am curious to know if anyone has checked the water levels and tidal conditions in the vicinity of the proposed dock and ramp area, Horton Bay being shallow as it is.
Preliminary soundings indicate that the ramp would be 50' long at a 20% slope or 75' long if the slope was reduced to 12%. The floats would start about 150' from shore in 6' of water at zero tide. Charts indicate that the seabed continues to slope downward albeit at a fairly flat angle.
The first order of business is a detailed survey of the seabed before any detailed design commences once this is a go.
Regards
Bill Maund
I would love to have a dock to tie up to and I would definitely be willing to pay money to do it. As you know everyone around us, has a marina to tie up at Montague, Otter Bay and a number in Ganges. Once again Mayne is the only one without. In addition, with Horton Bay being so protected it is an ideal place for both a ramp and dock space.
Hey, you two. As a resident on Horton Bay with a dock, I can empathize with you're wish to having easy access to your vessel. The idea of a "park" is nice yet impractical for the current site. The only way this would work is if you purchased some property adjacent to the ramp. As it stands now, all you have is a road access between two house lots. As well, there is minimal road parking. So, slow and steady and keep the plans within reason.
Slow and steady you say Toby.There are many islands alot smaller than mayne island that have better marina facilities,and have had for yrs.I think it's about time we get a marina of some sort on mayne island.Living on an island and having launch ramps that require four wheel drive or high tide is a hardship that no island dwellers should have to deal with,I too am more than willing to pay a reasonable amount of moorage to keep my boat in the water yr round.
A new dock would be wonderful, as Horton Bay is becoming increasingly difficult to moore in. The Government dock is full, with moorage doubled up even at the end tie. There are so many mooring buoys in Horton Bay, some of which may have been abandoned for some time, that it is difficult to find a space tucked out of the current. Thank you very much for considering a new dock for this lovely bay.
Sincerely,
The Boyles
Well said.
Time has moved on. AMIB has worked with Mayne Island Parks and Recreation to develop the beach access as a foot trail and small boat launch site.
AMIB is also working with Southern Gulf Islands Harbours Commission to renovate the docks that had been at Horton Bay (!) and anchor them in front of the beach access.
One could then take a small boat to the dock, and board their larger boat. As Toby in a previous post says, small steps. We'll eventually need community support to rezone to W4, marina, for even this small change.
Protected dock space in Horton Bay will be doubled with this reasonably inexpensive collaboration. The inconvenience of walking to, and then launching from, a small boat launch is not something for everyone, but the majority of this island community is not like all other island communities, and doesn't see marina development as an absolute for happiness. In fact, there are those who think its healthier and more environmentally sensitive to go to the smaller boats.
The blog remains for further discussion, islanders and off-islanders alike.
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