More than a dozen derelict vessels removed from Vancouver's False Creek, police say
Vancouver police say they’ve removed a number of derelict vessels from False Creek that have overstayed their welcome.
In September, the Vancouver Police Department said there were “approximately 100 unauthorized or dilapidated boats” in the False Creek area, despite officers spending months trying to speak with owners to “educate and remind” them of the regulations.
On Monday, Sgt. Steve Addison said they had removed “upwards of 15 or 20 boats, sailboats and dinghies that we’ve physically pulled out of the water” as a result of ongoing operations.
Addison said there were so many vessels through the summer that there was significant congestion –jenough to cause rowing events to be cancelled.
Under Vancouver bylaws, vessel operators can get a two-to-three-week permit, depending on the season, and it’s free. Rules that are often ignored, according to authorities.
Addison said some of the vessels are derelict or abandoned, some are used for Airbnb's or party boats, and some are people’s homes.
“We’re not here to remove those boats if it’s somebody who’s struggling to get by and it’s their home, it’s their place to live, but we’re certainly going to have a conversation with them and remind them of the rules.”
There have also been concerns raised about boats with multiple bikes onboard.
“We often get reports of people suggesting there’s bike chop shops happening or stolen property being moved in and out, and when that happens we certainly do investigate,” Addison said.
STOLEN BIKE SPOTTED ON BOAT
That’s exactly what happened in September when Ciaran Robinson’s bike was stolen from Granville Island, and later spotted on the back of a boat.
The Vancouver resident said he and his girlfriend locked their bikes in a rack and when they returned about 90 minutes later, his was gone.
He posted pictures of the bike to Facebook and two days later received a message from someone who recognized it.
“Sure enough it was my bike,” Robinson said. “It was standing upright on the back of a boat.”
He went to see for himself and then called the police non-emergency number. Within half an hour he received a call back from the VPD’s Marine Unit.
“(The officer) said, ‘We’re going to get it now.’ And he called two or three times after that to update me,” Robinson said. “The last call was, ‘We got your bike.’”
When it was returned to him it wasn't exactly the same as when it went missing Robinson said the seat and seat post had been swapped but upgraded from alloy carbon. Also there were new lights on the front and back.
While not not everyone can be so lucky, Robinson said he’s definitely learned his lesson and is “considering investing in a better bike lock.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September
Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Kitchener family says their 10-year-old needs life-saving drug that cost $600,000
Raneem, 10, lives with a neurological condition and liver disease and needs Cholbam, a medication, for a longer and healthier life.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Laurentian University to spend millions on recommendations in second budget post insolvency, but nothing new to reopen pool
Laurentian University's board of governors approved a budget of just over $201.7 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony
One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.
Zendaya tennis movie ‘Challengers’ scores at weekend box office
Zendaya and castmates Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor have been on a globetrotting press tour to get the word out about Italian director Luca Guadagnino's original film, which opened in 3,477 locations in the U.S. and Canada.