Is closing Kitsilano Coast Guard Centre a mistake?

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – It was the perfect evening for sailing, but plenty of boaters chose to spend Thursday evening in a packed room at the Jericho Sailing Centre.

They were there to show their anger over the imminent closure of the Kitsilano Coast Guard station.

The emergency town hall meeting included a panel made up of  federal NDP fisheries and oceans critic Fin Donnelly, NDP defence critic Jack Harris, Vancouver city councillor Geoff Meggs, a former coast guard captain, and the general manager of the Jericho Sailing Centre.

The meeting drew commercial fishermen, recreational boaters and even those who owe their lives to the coast guard. They’re worried about who will come to their rescue if they encounter troubles on the water after the Kits station closes.

Jeff Takagi, with the Vancouver Lifeguard Association, told the crowd he can attest to how many people are out on the water.

“Outdoor sports are exploding in popularity. From stand-up paddling, triathalons, to long-distance swimming, sailing, and the use of personal watercraft. Unfortunately not everyone is prepared for the environment,” he notes.

He says the proximity of the station is key to responding to situations before they become life-threatening.

Kayaker Peter Harris says he might not be around if it weren’t for the rescuers who came to save him near Saturna Island ten years ago.

“I wound up with hypothermia. There were huge waves and quite a bit of storm action. The coast guard hovercraft happened to be doing exercises on the other side of the island. They came around and were available to do the rescue within minutes.”

The federal government insists other stations in Richmond and Horseshoe Bay will be sufficient to cover the territory now overseen by the Kits station. It hopes to save about $900,000 a year by shutting the centre.

The station is one of the busiest in Canada and oversees a marine area considered the most congested in the country.