Vancouver's English Bay Barge still hasn't budged
A barge that ran aground near Vancouver's English Bay last year quickly became an accidental attraction, drawing selfie-seekers and inspiring T-shirt designs. But after seven months, residents seem to have grown weary of its hulking presence on the shoreline.
The last attempt to remove the barge was in November, two days after it became unmoored in choppy waters as a storm battered southwestern B.C. That attempt, which saw a single tugboat sent to tow the barge away, was unsuccessful.
In the months since, a pile-driving company has been hired to dismantle it. The work was initially projected to be completed by May.
CTV News has reached out to the company for an update but did not receive a reply.
A website dedicated to the dismantling, maintained by Vancouver Pile Driving Ltd, was last updated on May 19.
"Thank you for your patience as we continue planning the deconstruction and removal of the barge from English Bay. Deconstructing the barge is complex due to the location and condition of the vessel. Removal is being carefully planned," it reads.
"We are working with our partners and hope to have a deconstruction start date to share soon."
CTV News asked people out walking the seawall Friday what they thought. While tourists said they found it "interesting" residents of the area said it has become an eyesore and questioned why it hasn't been removed.
The City of Vancouver says it's "been tracking all costs related to the barge and will be seeking reimbursement for any costs incurred, including some initial security-related costs, from the barge owner.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Intelligence memo flagged possible 'violent revenge' after Ottawa protest shutdown
Newly disclosed documents show federal intelligence officials warned decision-makers that the police dispersal of 'Freedom Convoy' protesters in Ottawa last winter could prompt an 'opportunistic attack' against a politician or symbol of government.

Little League World Series player in critical condition after falling from a bunk bed
A 12-year-old player in the Little League World Series is in critical condition after falling from a bunk bed at the players' dormitory in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, his team tells CNN.
Increased loneliness, isolation a side effect of inflation for Canadian seniors
Canadian seniors are being forced to make tough choices, cutting out frills and nice-to-haves in the face of near 40-year-high inflation rates. But older adults also face a unique, less-talked-about challenge — the increased social isolation that experts say often occurs as a result of high inflation.
More than half of Canadians say the pandemic negatively impacted their children: report
A new report has found that more than half of Canadian parents report 'negative impacts' on their children after two years of living through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why is ArriveCan still mandatory, and what is Ottawa's plan for the app?
The glitch-prone app touted as an efficient border tool early in the pandemic has become a punching bag for critics who question its utility -- but ArriveCan may be here to stay.
Trump's angry words spur warnings of real violence
A growing number of ardent Donald Trump supporters seem ready to strike back against the FBI or others who they believe go too far in investigating the former U.S. president.
Parents will need a prescription for some children's liquid medication, SickKids warns
Parents of young children may need a prescription for over-the-counter fever and pain medication due to a shortage at some pharmacies, Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children is warning.
Elon Musk jokingly says he is buying Manchester United
Having seen eight coaches come and go in less than 10 years, Manchester United fans know their false dawns. Wednesday shed a different light on strife at the giant football club: Elon Musk said he was buying it -- and then said it was all a joke.
Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet accused of sexual assault in class-action lawsuit
Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet, once considered a front-runner to become pope, has been accused of sexual assault and is among a list of clergy members and diocesan staff named in a class-action lawsuit against the archdiocese of Quebec. A woman identified as 'F.' in court documents tabled on Tuesday accused Ouellet of several incidents of unwanted touching.