Changes at Ladysmith Community Marina will include a new name.
The Coast Salish Development Corporation, the economic arm of Stz’uminus First Nation, announced that the Ladysmith Community Marina will become Oyster Bay Marina starting in the new year.
As of Jan. 1, the corporation will take ownership of the marina as part of a reconciliation agreement between Stz’uminus and the province, which currently leases the water lot to the Town of Ladysmith. The town has given notice it is abandoning the lease at the end of this year.
“This transition is a practical application of the principles of truth and reconciliation, fostering a deeper understanding and respect within our community fabric,” noted a news release from the corporation. “It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of acknowledging our shared history.”
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The corporation thanked current boaters and moorers who have contacted them so far, and due to increasing interest, they ask all interested and existing moorers to get in touch by Nov. 30.
In the spring, the Ladysmith Maritime Society, which operates the marina, was given notice to cease its operations there by the end of the year, as opposed to when their agreement was supposed to end in 2029, which left the non-profit society and supporters disgruntled with the actions of the town, the province, and the corporation. The parties tried to negotiate an agreement for LMS to continue operating the marina under Stz’uminus; however, LMS claims the agreement “included terms which a society legally incorporated in B.C. cannot sign.”
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The maritime society provided a statement, offering no comment on the name change.
“We’ve sent letters, e-mails, and made numerous phone calls, all with the intention of understanding how [the society’s] existing rights can be accommodated and exploring the potential for harmonious co-existence,” noted a statement from the society. “Unfortunately, our sincere efforts have often gone unanswered, leaving us to contend with an unwarranted narrative that portrays us as unco-operative and unwilling to find common ground. We want to assure everyone that these allegations hold no truth, and we’ve been compelled to seek legal counsel to address this unjust portrayal.”
Moorers, boaters, or those with questions or inquiries can contact the Coast Salish Development Corporation at info@coastsalishdevcorp.com or 250-924-2444.
bailey.seymour@nanaimobulletin.com
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