Dear Editor,
A significant milestone in the decade-long effort to resolve the boat problems in Mannion Bay was achieved Sunday, April 23rd, when at 9:00 a.m. Black Eyes was towed from the bay to Bridges Marina in the Fraser River.
For at least the last decade of her 26 years, while anchored for free in this iconic part of the island, she has been a neglected eyesore, polluter and generally an unwanted nuisance. By virtue of her sheer size, this 90+ foot, rusting, steel hull hulk, has been the poster boat for all things wrong in Mannion Bay. With BIM’s Bylaw 418 and our recently received License of Occupation (LOO), the bay will soon be rid of unwanted live-aboard boats and long-stay anchorages - those that have no place in the bay. The bay should be for the safe, recreational and environmentally-friendly use and enjoyment by everyone.
Thanks to the patience, passion and persistence of a number of individuals, this long overdue “goodbye” to Black Eyes was possible, which is an important example of the change that has been coming for a long time. Much to the credit of BIM and the Friends of Mannion Bay, the $2,000 towing cost was paid on behalf of the individual who inherited the boat from the former owner, Stan Cayer, who passed away last fall. There is no doubt in the minds of many, our newly acquired LOO was instrumental in helping us to convince Black Eyes owner its trespass on BIM’s LOO domain must end.
As there was good reason to believe the boat could sink, the nominal “tow” investment was a wise decision. The estimated cost of $100,000 for environmental clean-up and salvage, if it had sunk, would likely have become an expense incurred by the taxpayers, as the current owner did not have the boat insured, or the financial means to cover any substantial salvage expenses or the environmental clean-up.
As the clean-up of the bay continues, we will soon see the return of the visiting boaters who will be welcomed with open arms by the waterfront property owners and the community-at-large, as it should be. Any suggestions we have lost an iconic landmark at Bowen is without thoughtful and due consideration or appreciation for the poor condition of the boat and the threat of it sinking, so Bon Voyagewere the appropriate words on Black Eyes departure. Those who consider the Friends of Mannion Bay bullies simply do not understand all the facts. BIM was asked by the owner for time and financial assistance, both were given. We are proud of the fact we have seen the last of Black Eyes and were a part of its removal in a safe and responsible manner. Maybe now she can be restored as the former owner Stan Cayer had planned, but was not able to do while anchored far too long in our iconic bay.
Bruce Russell
Friends of Mannion Bay Spokesperson
