When the deal was struck with Spectra for a new restaurant at Rocky Point Park, it became apparent to the public that this would result in the loss of a large number of conveniently located boat launch parking spots, due to the size of the land parcel granted to the restaurant lessee.

Global News once did a piece on the "spectator sport" at Rocky Point Park, pointing out that boaters and non-boaters alike enjoyed the boat launch, whether it was to use a boat, or to watch the show from the pier and shore.

The controversial arrangement with Spectra raised many questions as to the ramifications of the city's approval for this project, with just one of the fallouts being the subsequent loss of boat spots - resulting in concerns about congestion, safety and a dramatic change to ease of water access for boaters, to name a few.

Fortunately, parking solution options are being considered by the boat trailer parking working group (BTPWG), including adding parking further away from the ramp and adding an additional floating pier to accommodate the inevitable longer wait times.

Parking further away is not ideal, but perhaps necessary under the circumstances.

Hopefully, all options are considered carefully in terms of safety, environmental issues and other potential cause-and-effect scenarios.

In the BTPWG background materials for yesterday's (Tuesday's) Port Moody council meeting, under the heading "budgetary impact," there are several estimates as to what is necessary to correct or at least mitigate these particular problems, including: $280,000 for long-term parking at the waterfront area; $37,000 for "interim" waterfront parking; and $135,000 for an additional floating dock. More dock space would undoubtedly help to alleviate some of the congestion issues, and common sense dictates it should get the go-ahead. Is the lessee going to cover these costs? If not, why not?

The city stated that the Spectra/Boathouse deal is good financially for the city and residents. Are there other related costs residents have yet to hear about? Will the lessee be required to contribute?

Hazel Mason

Port Moody

published on 11/29/2006