WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 13 2023
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MOSQUITO CREEK
Mass eviction notice causes ‘mad scramble’ at North Van marina MINA KERR-LAZENBY
MKerrLazenby@nsnews.com Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Permanent live-aboards at North Vancouver’s Mosquito Creek Marina are breathing a sigh of relief following the news the boatyard will be keeping them safe from its impending mass eviction.
Yet the sigh is a small one. While in the clear for now, long-term residents are still in fear of being given the boot further down the line, while hundreds of part-time residents and boat and boatshed owners still face an uncertain future and potential large-scale financial loss after the Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation, run by the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), announced it would be closing a number of the marina’s docks for repairs. On Tuesday, Dec. 5, 459 houseboat, boat and boatshed owners were told to vacate their slips or moorage by May 31, 2024.
In a meeting with residents Thursday evening and in a release issued on Friday, Nch’ḵay̓ said it had reconsidered its decision following the public outcry from residents. “We understand that this news is having a significant impact on the community at Mosquito Creek Marina,” the release said. “We now have a more fulsome understanding of the reliance many community members have on the docks for their primary housing, and the full impact of this notice on those residing on boats and in boat sheds at Mosquito Creek.” Nch’ḵay̓ said it will “repair and reorganize” some of the marina’s docks in a way that will ensure permanent tenants can stay, alongside those living in float homes. “In response to new information about people currently living on their boats or in boat sheds as a primary residence, we will be working directly with these residents to explore viable Continued on A37
Eddie Osland, a 16-year resident at Mosquito Creek Marina, is facing an uncertain future along with hundreds of other boat owners after a recent notice announcing the imminent closure of many of the marina’s docks. PAUL MCGRATH / NSN