Latest news with #McBarge
Global News
6 days ago
- General
- Global News
They're back: Windstorm-wrecked vessels in Vancouver renew derelict boat concerns
It's a perennial story on the British Columbia coast, a zombie problem that's as undead as its subject matter: derelict boats. The issue is back in the spotlight after a recent windstorm washed at least four watercraft ashore along Vancouver's Sunset Beach. The collection of wrecks includes two sailboats, a jet ski and a derelict dinghy. 2:10 McBarge sinking in Fraser River highlights problem of derelict boats It comes amid growing scrutiny of the issue, following two high-profile derelict boat incidents in the Fraser River: the sinking of the so-called 'McBarge' and the fiery destruction of a former BC Ferries vessel. Story continues below advertisement John Roe, co-founder of the Dead Boat Disposal Society said it's a frustrating problem that's seen little improvement in years. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'We need legislation changed both provincially and federally,' he said. 'We also need enforcement of ownership of boats.' Roe said he believes federal officials have been marked for removal, but added it's a slow process with no clear timeline. 'If they are tagged, they will get taken off — it's just a question of when.' Advocates for derelict boat removal say the process is often complicated by overlapping municipal, provincial and federal jurisdictions, combined with a lack of funding and political willpower. 1:35 Derelict vessels to be removed from Nicomekl River The Canadian Coast Guard is the lead agency when vessels pose an environmental or navigation hazard, whereas the removal of low-risk vessels falls to Transport Canada. Story continues below advertisement 'Owners are responsible for the costs of addressing their problem vessel. This includes cleanup or repairs, and any remediation action taken by the Canadian Coast Guard,' the Coast Guard said in a statement. While that's supposed to be the case, Roe said it's not always easy to determine who they belong to or to follow up with them. He believes the problem could be addressed more quickly if boat registrations were handled under existing provincial agencies. 'I think if we switched them over to ICBC and made that move, that you know … you're required to insure your car and you're required to license your vehicle too. Why should it be any different for your boat, regardless of its size,' he said. Roe added he'd like to see the issue handled more proactively, with federal or provincial officials giving owners of aging boats the opportunity to turn them in. 'I'd like to see a bring out your dead boat day … you register for your boat to get disposed of and we crunch 'em up,' he said.
CBC
03-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Residents of Mission, B.C., told to shelter in place after fire on derelict vessel
Some residents of the Fraser Valley city of Mission have been told to shelter in place after a fire on a derelict vessel overnight on Saturday. The City of Mission issued an emergency alert just before 4 a.m. PT warning of a fire on the abandoned Queen of Sidney ferry, which was moored just northwest of Matsqui Island approximately 55 km east of Vancouver. B.C. Ferries says the ship was in operation from 1960 to 2000. The 102-metre vessel was sold in 2002. Its current owner is unknown. On its website, Mission says the cause of the fire is not yet known but it is considered to be suspicious. Residents near the fire — from Chester Street to 287 Street, including the Silverdale area — have been told to stay indoors, close all windows and doors, and turn off any ventilation systems that draw in air from outside. "Police attended the area and confirmed a large plume of smoke coming from the vessel, which had an obvious impact on air quality in the area," read a statement from Mission RCMP on Saturday morning. Police said that, as of Saturday morning, there was nothing to indicate the fire was intentionally set — but investigators haven't been able to board the vessel due to the hazardous nature of the smoke. CBC News has reached out to the Canadian Coast Guard for this story. A spokesperson for the Environment Ministry deferred comment to the Mission fire department. The Queen of Sidney is among a number of derelict vessels along B.C. waterways that have raised environmental concerns in recent years, particularly given they could pose public safety risks. In late March, the iconic McBarge vessel — a barge which housed a McDonald's restaurant during Expo 86 — sank on the Fraser River near Maple Ridge, B.C., northwest of where the Queen of Sidney was moored.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Residents of Mission, B.C., told to shelter in place after fire on derelict vessel
Some residents of the Fraser Valley city of Mission have been told to shelter in place after a fire on a derelict vessel overnight on Saturday. The City of Mission issued an emergency alert just before 4 a.m. PT warning of a fire on the abandoned Queen of Sidney ferry, which was moored just northwest of Matsqui Island approximately 55 km east of Vancouver. B.C. Ferries says the ship was in operation from 1960 to 2000. The 102-metre vessel was sold in 2002. Its current owner is unknown. On its website, Mission says the cause of the fire is not yet known but it is considered to be suspicious. Residents near the fire — from Chester Street to 287 Street, including the Silverdale area — have been told to stay indoors, close all windows and doors, and turn off any ventilation systems that draw in air from outside. CBC News has reached out to the Canadian Coast Guard for this story. A spokesperson for the Environment Ministry deferred comment to the Mission fire department. The Queen of Sidney is among a number of derelict vessels along B.C. waterways that have raised environmental concerns in recent years, particularly given they could pose public safety risks. In late March, the iconic McBarge vessel — a barge which housed a McDonald's restaurant during Expo 86 — sank on the Fraser River near Maple Ridge, B.C., northwest of where the Queen of Sidney was moored.
CBC
03-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Residents of Mission, B.C., told to shelter in place after fire on derelict vessel
Some residents of the Fraser Valley city of Mission have been told to shelter in place after a fire on a derelict vessel overnight on Saturday. The City of Mission issued an emergency alert just before 4 a.m. PT warning of a fire on the abandoned Queen of Sidney ferry, which was moored just northwest of Matsqui Island approximately 55 km east of Vancouver. B.C. Ferries says the ship was in operation from 1960 to 2000. The 102-metre vessel was sold in 2002. Its current owner is unknown. On its website, Mission says the cause of the fire is not yet known but it is considered to be suspicious. Residents near the fire — from Chester Street to 287 Street, including the Silverdale area — have been told to stay indoors, close all windows and doors, and turn off any ventilation systems that draw in air from outside. CBC News has reached out to the Canadian Coast Guard for this story. A spokesperson for the Environment Ministry deferred comment to the Mission fire department. The Queen of Sidney is among a number of derelict vessels along B.C. waterways that have raised environmental concerns in recent years, particularly given they could pose public safety risks. In late March, the iconic McBarge vessel — a barge which housed a McDonald's restaurant during Expo 86 — sank on the Fraser River near Maple Ridge, B.C., northwest of where the Queen of Sidney was moored.
CBC
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
A look back at B.C.'s iconic 'McBarge'
Once a floating McDonald's restaurant and a famous icon of Expo 86, the 57-metre-long McBarge vessel was found partially capsized in the Fraser River on Wednesday. Show producer Jake Williams breaks down why the McBarge became such an iconic part of Vancouver, even in the decades it sat vacant.
