Vancouver boaters have mixed reactions to closure of Coast Guard communications hub

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – A rally is expected Wednesday at the former Kits Coast Guard base in protest of the closure of another Coast Guard centre in Vancouver due to federal cuts.
The feds are consolidating the Victoria and Vancouver Marine Communications and Traffic Services out of Sidney, on Vancouver Island.

Some boaters worry the shutdown of the communications hub may put people in the water at risk. “Well, I’m not against cutbacks but I think services that are supplied to the marine community and safety considerations should be utmost [importance] and this is being done without a lot of consultation,” says Dean.

“I don’t understand why, how they can cut when the population is increasing and there are more people that want to use the waterways. And this is a major port. It’s one of the major ports of Canada, so it doesn’t make sense,” questions Kelly.

Others don’t foresee a huge impact. “That’s for freighters coming in and I tend not to use that channel for marine traffic so that won’t affect probably a high percentage of recreational boaters,” explains Ross.

“With advance technology and the ability to basically pick up a cell phone, sat phone, and call from anywhere in the world, the technology is already there, it’s already changed and reliable. I don’t think it’s a safety concern for anybody,” says Steve.

A few recreational boaters say it could impact fishermen and cargo ships. The rally is expected at noon.

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