Critics call for reversal of Vancouver Island coast guard closures
Comox marine communication centre set to close by March, Ucluelet already closed
Community leaders want the new federal government to reverse coast guard closures on Vancouver Island over concerns critical local knowledge is being lost.
The previous Conservative government decided to consolidate the coast guard's West Coast communications operations at upgraded centres in Victoria and Prince Rupert.
The communication centre in Ucluelet closed in the spring. A similar centre in Comox is scheduled to close by March.
Courtenay-Alberni NDP MP Gord Johns has met with the minister responsible for the Canadian Coast Guard, Hunter Tootoo, to raise concerns about what he says are reductions to the service on Vancouver Island.
"Local knowledge is absolutely key," said Courtenay-Alberni NDP MP Gord Johns.
"There's no way that two stations can embody the knowledge that will protect mariners in British Columbia."
The marine communication centres are responsible for listening for distress calls and guiding ships, much like air traffic controllers at airports.
When the closures were announced, the government said new technology in Prince Rupert and Victoria would be more reliable and coverage would not be reduced.
But during the recent rescue of passengers on a whale watching boat that capsized off Tofino, some fishermen reported difficulties communicating with coast guard operators in Prince Rupert.
The pressure to reverse the closures on Vancouver Island also comes as the Liberals follow through on a campaign promise to reopen the The Kitsilano coast guard station in Vancouver.
Comox Mayor Paul Ives said the Liberal government still has time to reconsider before the communication centre in his community closes.
"Minister Tootoo is certainly aware of the concerns around local knowledge. He comes from the North and he is aware of the issues around coast lines that are very unique in many parts of Canada," Ives said.
"If they don't reopen it officially, at least put it on hold until they can do a proper assessment."
However, a spokesperson for the Canadian Coast Guard said Tuesday that there are no plans to restore the communication centres on Vancouver Island.