Concerns brought to the table included:
- Status of float replacement project
- Park Board Policy & Procedure – “Transparency”
- 8% rate increase for 2018
- The claim that Burrard Civic Marina patrons are undercharged by 30%
- What are “Comparable” marinas
- The Park Board is “investing” $3.5 million in upgrades
- Unfair treatment, boat owners treated as cash cows.
Park Board staff say they do not have the authority to change the upcoming 8% rate increase. When presented with our research about comparable marina rates, Sev Araujo did admit that the PB figures were flawed. He went on to say that the 30% rate increase was probably not correct and further study was required.
In an effort to open up communications with the BCMCA, Sev would like to have regular meetings with BCMCA members and patrons of Burrard Civic Marina. These meetings will be open to discuss "any concerns" we may have the marina. The first meeting will be an Open House, and is scheduled for Wednesday, May 9th at the Parks Board office.
Though our meeting with PB staff was of mixed results, we did get two hours of their time, and managed to make them aware of the sentiments of marina members when faced with such unsubstantiated rate increases, the flaws in their research, the need for more open communications, how the marina business really works in Vancouver, and other concerns.
It is still our goal to arrange a meeting with Parks Board Commissioners to present them with our research and findings. This information is posted to our website at this link.