A synopsis of the meeting's events:
Approx 15 marina customers present. Advisian Engineer Robert Dullanty was not there, but Stephen Cundy attended and presented in his stead. A correction to the table showing funds available for this project: the
correct figure is $3.35 million. Approximately $85,000 has been spent to date on the investigation and design by Advisian.
Some discussion about dredging, a fellow from Milltown Marina seemed to know a lot about it, and mentioned that disposal costs were about $13 per cubic metre for clean material (ocean disposal), or $40/m3 for contaminated material, which would have to be trucked off site to a landfill disposal site.
Advisian feels certain that the dredge material would test contaminated by creosote from the many creosote pilings, if nothing else, plus the former presence of the rail trestle crossing (removed in 1985) at the southeast side of the marina (however it is deepest here and dredging is unlikely) or from the former Coast Guard building which burnt down in the early 90's. (at the northwest end of the marina. Applying for, and receiving permits takes a long time. However, in the current scope of work dredging is not included this
would have to be something for a future capital plan.
Also, a question was asked about where can boats be relocated if need be for either dredging or dock replacement. Cassio said that there's about 16 to 18% turnover from year to year, so for that year the marina would simply not accept any new applicants, which would free up sufficient spaces for temporary relocation of boats as needed.
Much talk about electrical, of course. Sev said if individual power supply boxes or outlets are failing, this is a
maintenance issue, please contact Cassio and it should be dealt with. (this will have little effect on low voltage though)
Replacement head float for G, G to L: New pilings would be steel, with cathodic protection as required. If maintained properly, lifespan should be at least 25 years. As the new head float will be somewhat wider (8 feet) this makes a problem if the fairway between G and H is narrowed. Some options discussed included:
- re-configuring G for side ties only,
- putting shorter boats in G or H,
- investigating if its possible to move the dinghy floats closer to shore,
- or simply relocate dinghy floats elsewhere in the marina.
Advisian will look into all the options.
Schedule: Advisian has already started on the design drawings and specs for the "Upland Works". By October, two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) will be issued for:
- Upland Work (on land)
- Marine Work (head floats, pilings).
It is felt that by splitting the work into 2 contracts, it opens up the Uplands work to more bidders, and possibly lower prices. On the marine side, there are only about 4 or 5 contractors in the area, so we are more at the mercy of their availability and whatever pricing they want to put on their bids. The bulk of the work would be over winter/spring, so hopefully contractors aren't so busy at that time. Also, the marine work is considered to be replacing "like for like", so permitting is less stringent.
It was mentioned about how the repairs of 2014 dragged on into the summer. Advisian will have a dedicated Project Manager who will oversee the work, do QA, and ensure things don't fall behind schedule. The contract may include a provision for late penalties. Sev mentioned that in his tenure at Granville Island, the contractor replaced the Granville Island public docks in three (3) days.
Sev also introduced a new staff resource, Dave Whittier, he has been specifically tasked to help oversee this project and give other support as necessary for better marina management. His previous job was operating the VPD's tactical training centre.
Some other items discussed:
Safety problems with cyclists/pedestrians/vehicles at the marina gate: the City Engineering Dep't is looking at this right now, hopefully a good plan will come out of this.
Pump-out station (closed in winter): Sev does not want to spend any effort on this at this time the
City's website shows there are five other pump-outs in the Creek, most of which are open year-round,
including one right next door at False Creek Harbour Authority. Hopefully for the smaller number of customers who might need this service in the winter months, this will suffice for the time being.
Fire safety: Concerns voiced that the marina office gives no notice to neighbouring boats if and when a fire occurs (such as the recent one on N dock), and also that the fire alarm pulls and bells were removed. In response, it was said that the alarms did not connect to any fire station, and it was a considerable cost to replace/upgrade them. Calling 911 on a cell phone will have to do. Also, the fire on N dock was fairly minor, with no damage to neighbouring boats. However Sev said he would look into better communications about such events, and also see what is considered common practice at other marinas.
Sev said he will give customers a status update on the project when the tenders have been awarded, and schedules finalized.
I think that sums it up, I'm happy to say that Sev seems to be a very responsive fellow who seems to be dedicated to taking care of our needs, keeping us in the loop, and willing to review or improve management practices.
posted by Sean Smith
Copy of the Powerpoint presentation from the July 5 meeting is below.
Approx 15 marina customers present. Advisian Engineer Robert Dullanty was not there, but Stephen Cundy attended and presented in his stead. A correction to the table showing funds available for this project: the
correct figure is $3.35 million. Approximately $85,000 has been spent to date on the investigation and design by Advisian.
Some discussion about dredging, a fellow from Milltown Marina seemed to know a lot about it, and mentioned that disposal costs were about $13 per cubic metre for clean material (ocean disposal), or $40/m3 for contaminated material, which would have to be trucked off site to a landfill disposal site.
Advisian feels certain that the dredge material would test contaminated by creosote from the many creosote pilings, if nothing else, plus the former presence of the rail trestle crossing (removed in 1985) at the southeast side of the marina (however it is deepest here and dredging is unlikely) or from the former Coast Guard building which burnt down in the early 90's. (at the northwest end of the marina. Applying for, and receiving permits takes a long time. However, in the current scope of work dredging is not included this
would have to be something for a future capital plan.
Also, a question was asked about where can boats be relocated if need be for either dredging or dock replacement. Cassio said that there's about 16 to 18% turnover from year to year, so for that year the marina would simply not accept any new applicants, which would free up sufficient spaces for temporary relocation of boats as needed.
Much talk about electrical, of course. Sev said if individual power supply boxes or outlets are failing, this is a
maintenance issue, please contact Cassio and it should be dealt with. (this will have little effect on low voltage though)
Replacement head float for G, G to L: New pilings would be steel, with cathodic protection as required. If maintained properly, lifespan should be at least 25 years. As the new head float will be somewhat wider (8 feet) this makes a problem if the fairway between G and H is narrowed. Some options discussed included:
- re-configuring G for side ties only,
- putting shorter boats in G or H,
- investigating if its possible to move the dinghy floats closer to shore,
- or simply relocate dinghy floats elsewhere in the marina.
Advisian will look into all the options.
Schedule: Advisian has already started on the design drawings and specs for the "Upland Works". By October, two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) will be issued for:
- Upland Work (on land)
- Marine Work (head floats, pilings).
It is felt that by splitting the work into 2 contracts, it opens up the Uplands work to more bidders, and possibly lower prices. On the marine side, there are only about 4 or 5 contractors in the area, so we are more at the mercy of their availability and whatever pricing they want to put on their bids. The bulk of the work would be over winter/spring, so hopefully contractors aren't so busy at that time. Also, the marine work is considered to be replacing "like for like", so permitting is less stringent.
It was mentioned about how the repairs of 2014 dragged on into the summer. Advisian will have a dedicated Project Manager who will oversee the work, do QA, and ensure things don't fall behind schedule. The contract may include a provision for late penalties. Sev mentioned that in his tenure at Granville Island, the contractor replaced the Granville Island public docks in three (3) days.
Sev also introduced a new staff resource, Dave Whittier, he has been specifically tasked to help oversee this project and give other support as necessary for better marina management. His previous job was operating the VPD's tactical training centre.
Some other items discussed:
Safety problems with cyclists/pedestrians/vehicles at the marina gate: the City Engineering Dep't is looking at this right now, hopefully a good plan will come out of this.
Pump-out station (closed in winter): Sev does not want to spend any effort on this at this time the
City's website shows there are five other pump-outs in the Creek, most of which are open year-round,
including one right next door at False Creek Harbour Authority. Hopefully for the smaller number of customers who might need this service in the winter months, this will suffice for the time being.
Fire safety: Concerns voiced that the marina office gives no notice to neighbouring boats if and when a fire occurs (such as the recent one on N dock), and also that the fire alarm pulls and bells were removed. In response, it was said that the alarms did not connect to any fire station, and it was a considerable cost to replace/upgrade them. Calling 911 on a cell phone will have to do. Also, the fire on N dock was fairly minor, with no damage to neighbouring boats. However Sev said he would look into better communications about such events, and also see what is considered common practice at other marinas.
Sev said he will give customers a status update on the project when the tenders have been awarded, and schedules finalized.
I think that sums it up, I'm happy to say that Sev seems to be a very responsive fellow who seems to be dedicated to taking care of our needs, keeping us in the loop, and willing to review or improve management practices.
posted by Sean Smith
Copy of the Powerpoint presentation from the July 5 meeting is below.

burrard_marina_user_group_presentation_-_final_july_5_2016.pdf |