The Canadian Coast Guard plans to clear a 6.15-hectare section of trees on Crown land at Radar Hill, Bowen Island. If you are in the area, you may see forestry activity and removal of timber by truck. Work will begin on November 12, 2024 and continue for approximately six weeks.
Will this impact the ferry?
Once the project is underway there will be some logging trucks transporting the timber off the island. We have been advised that the logging trucks will not be travelling on peak commuter ferries departing Snug Cove between 6:00am and 9:00am or Horseshoe Bay between 4:00pm and 6:00pm. We have also been assured that the number of trucks will be minimal, and that the removal process will be spread out over the course of the project to minimize impact.
Why is this area being cleared?
The marine radar on Radar Hill has become obstructed by trees since it was last cleared in the 1970s. The trees have grown to the point where they are blocking radar and radio coverage along the southeast corner of Bowen Island, resulting in significant degradation to marine radar and radio coverage in that area.
The Canadian Coast Guard is mandated to both protect the marine environment and ensure public safety on the water. The current lack of radar and radio coverage around Bowen Island amplifies both the risk to mariners and the risk to the ocean environment, as this marine traffic area experiences a large volume and wide variety of boat and vessel traffic. The proposed tree clearing will remove the obstructions and reduce the coverage blind spots.
Has the Coast Guard considered the environment?
The Canadian Coast Guard has spent the past few years assessing its options to address the radar obstruction with the goal of minimizing the number of trees cleared. Planning involved conducting an Environmental Assessment, engaging with Bowen Island Municipality and neighboring properties, as well as consulting with local First Nations communities. Clearing activities will be carefully implemented to ensure there are no significant environmental impacts on the area. Once the clearing is completed, the Coast Guard will repair any damaged areas along existing recreational trails and seed areas to control invasive species.
The work is all taking place on Crown Land, so technically the Coast Guard does not require approval from Bowen Island Municipality for this work. They have, however, voluntarily undertaken the Development Permit process as part of their stakeholder engagement, to ensure every aspect of the work is considered to reduce negative impacts on the environment and property. Further information on the project can be found in this Staff Report which was prepared by Daniel Martin, Manager of Planning and Development, on September 21, 2022, and presented to Council.
Questions? Email Clint.Hoffman@dfo-mpo.gc.ca for further information regarding the project.