What's new for the South Harbour?
The South Harbour has seen a great deal of activity, especially after piledriving equipment was relocated from the completed North Harbour to this expansion of floats. As of 22 July, the status of this project includes:
- All piles have been driven and floats put into place
- The electrical contractor has commenced electrical work
- The mechanical contractor has started the gangway approach construction
- The assembly contractor has installed all metal pile hoops
- All ballasts have been installed in the attenuation floats
View the photos in the gallery to see what's been happening.
The existing moorage and facilities are under the jurisdiction of Fisheries & Oceans, and operated by the City of Powell River. The new space inside the extended breakwater is entirely the City's. Operationally, there is really no difference, but the expansion does improve a valuable community asset.
And it is an investment. There will be enough additional floats to additional floats to host about 1500 feet of extra boats. In other words: 10 60-foot vessels; 20 38-foot boats; and four 30-footers. That installation starts as soon as the floats in the North Harbour have been installed — the crew will move to the South Harbour.
Not only is there more space in the harbour, but the facilities will be exactly what today's larger vessels require: better electrical service, water and sanitary pump-out. The fuel dock remains in its location.
This matters because all the vessels that were bypassing Westview for lack of moorage and services in the past will now have another option to call in to the community. This means more options for visitors heading up the coast, and for those wanting to visit Powell River.
The whole of the South Harbour is now better protected against the weather, and more welcoming for visiting boaters. This work will be completed in August.