JSCA
35th Anniversary
1974-2009 |
Jericho
Ocean Lovers Alert!!! |
New Vision Park Board Reviews Jericho Marginal Wharf
Decision
Sometimes politics is like rowing: in order to move
forward you must first look back.
As the new members of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation
settle in behind their public service oars they are reviewing
some of the previous Boards decisions, among them, last July's
decision to remove the majority of the remaining former Department
of National Defence's Marginal Wharf adjacent to the Jericho
Sailing Centre's east end.
Good
for them, some of the previous board's yet to be enacted decisions
might not be in rhythm or flow with their greener Vancouver
philosophy. Review is their absolute prerogative and in this
case should be welcomed by everyone who recreates from the shores
of Jericho Beach, because as we all know, a greener Vancouver
starts at the deep blue sea.
The decision made by the Park Board last July came after a many
monthed, widespread public process, well reported by the various
fleets of media, and participated in by many citizens, JSCA
members and other users of the Jericho Sailing Centre. Over
500 people took the time to fill out the online survey and the
final tally showed that, of the four options presented, over
50% favoured Option 1 the complete removal of the wharf. A "greener"
Park Board at the time might have said "Good enough"
and let the majority rule, but in the end, Park Board staff
presented a fifth Option, a compromise, to retain approximately
5,000 square feet of the easternmost section of the wharf for
public viewing and commemorative purposes.
The JSCA looked at how the compromise option might affect future
ocean access for Vancouverites, considered the benefits of the
retained section - many members of the viewing public are enjoying
the busy activity generated by the Jericho Sailing Centre as
an interesting part of the most fabulous view in the City -
and ended up supporting it.
Could freshly mandated Park Board Commissioners who ran on a
greener Vancouver election platform actually put the kibosh
on liberating a natural beach in favour of crumbling concrete,
rusty railings and creosol pilings? Every creosol piling they
would add to the current plan would be to the environments detriment.
If the bearing on their political compass truly includes charting
a course toward a greener Vancouver it shouldn't be likely.
Creosol, concrete and rusty iron didn't suddenly become greener
in the past six months. The Board of Parks and Recreation will
in their review weigh the same considerations the previous board
did and most likely end up back at the same conclusion:
The derelict concrete on wooden piling wharf, built in preparation
for WWII, is well beyond its life expectancy and has become
a public safety concern.
The cost of rehabilitating it in its entirety is roughly equal
to removing it in its entirety. Ongoing maintenance costs make
removal the more economically sensible option for taxpayers.
(The Olympic sized budget challenges these Commissioners face
didn't suddenly become any lighter)
The vast concrete expanse is sparsely used park space in contrast
with the popular Jericho Beach swimming and boating beaches
surrounding it.
The removal of close to 400 creosol leeching pilings and 40,000
square feet of rat infested shaded shore will be a boost to
marine life and native shoreline plant species furthering the
evolution of Jericho Park from it's previous military function.
The wharf is a concrete military monolith, which has dutifully
served its purpose but aesthetically pales in comparison to
a natural beach. ***
The Vancouver Sport Strategy report approved by the Park Board
in 2008 identified overcrowded facilities as a major problem
in the City's delivery of leisure services- overcrowding is
becoming a major problem at the Jericho Sailing Centre as we
facilitate up to 5,000 launches on busy days.
The Vancouver Sport Strategy also studied Vancouver citizens
and highlighted increasing public demand for outdoor, non-traditional
sports such as kayaking, canoeing, rowing, windsurfing and dinghy
sailing. More and more people are getting back to nature and
the forward thinking members of the Park Board are well aware
of that. They know, as anyone who has ever rowed knows, every
now and then, whilst looking back you should check over your
shoulder to see what lies in your path.
Wharf Flotsam
***No non-military association has recognized, promoted and
facilitated remembrance of the proud military history of the
former Jericho Beach Air Station and DND Jericho Base and all
of the Canadians who served here than the Jericho Sailing Centre
Association. The JSCA played a strong supporting role in the
organizing and dedicating of the long overdue monument installed
in Jericho Park in October, 2008 and we envision a similar role
in supporting commemorative aspects of the 5,000 square foot
rehabilitated section. We will also continue to promote knowledge
of the history through our publications and on site signage.
Some feel the wharf should be saved for it's significance in
the more recent history of the area - the wharf was built in
the late 1930's a seventy-year history. What about the historical
significance of the commandeered natural beach? For thousands
of years the original inhabitants of this area launched their
canoes from this beach. Many of the current inhabitants of Vancouver
would like to see that historical tradition recognized and restored.
The following email was sent to Park Board Commissioners yesterday
but they also need to hear your voice. Please take a moment
to email them and feel free to cut & paste portions of this
article if it reflects your opinion.
Dear Park Board Commissioners:
I am writing to urge you to stand by the decision of the previous
Park Board with respect to the Jericho Marginal Wharf.
The Jericho Sailing Centre Association supported the Jericho
Wharf Concept 1C as developed by Park Board Staff, recommended
by the Planning & Environment Committee and approved at
the July 2008 Park Board Meeting.
Many members of the JSCA participated in the widespread open
public process which concluded with this decision including
the March 12, 2008 Jericho Wharf Public Forum, the online survey
and the Planning Committee and Park Board meetings.
The concept approved by the Park Board in July 2008:
- addresses the public safety concern of a failing structure
long past it's life expectancy and useful purpose;
- is a better choice than the rehabilitation of the wharf
because it avoids costly ongoing maintenance costs for vastly
underutilized park space;
- will have a positive impact on fish and other sea life
habitat;
- is a greener, more environmentally friendly and aesthetically
pleasing option;
returns the majority of the beach to it's natural state;
- provides for a 5,000 square feet area of rehabilitated
wharf for public viewing and commemorative purposes; and,
- provides greater flexibility for future recreational use
by the people of Vancouver.
The
adjacent beach space in front of the Jericho Sailing Centre
facilitated more than 15,000 people in 2008 who accessed Vancouver's
ocean playground in small, naturally powered craft - kayaks,
rowboats, windsurfers, canoes and sailing dinghies - over
160,000 launches. On a busy day there can be more than 5,000
people launched here. The amount of beach space accessible
to these salt water enthusiasts has not changed since 1978
when 60% of the original Jericho Marginal Wharf structure
was removed to facilitate a growing recreational need.
In the past 30 years demand for recreational ocean access
by the people of Vancouver has increased even more dramatically
than the population. The JSCA believes that public demand
for low cost, accessible, natural powered recreational ocean
access will continue to grow at a similar rate into the future
and we are committed to working together in cooperation with
the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation to meet this challenge
as we have since our inception in 1974.
In order for us to achieve this we urge you to stand by the
logical decision made by the previous board.
Fair winds,
Mike Cotter, General Manager
Jericho Sailing Centre Association
Commissioner Raj Hundal,
Park Board Chair
Commissioner Aaron Jasper, Planning Chair
Commissioner Loretta
Woodcock
Commissioner Constance
Barnes
Commissioner Sarah Blyth
Commissioner Stuart
MacKinnon
Commissioner Ian Robertson
Vancouver
Boat Show February 4-8 |
Volunteers Wanted to Crew our Booth!
We still have a few openings for members to help crew the Jericho
Sailing Centre Association's display booth at the Vancouver International
Boat Show February 4-8. Members who volunteer for a two hour "watch"
will gain free admission to the show and the admiration of show
going seafarers from all over. A great place to meet people and
shoot the breeze about the Jericho Sailing Centre and all of the
low cost ocean access opportunities we provide. The following
berths are available; please email me if you'd like to sign on:
Thursday, February 5
1100-1300H.
Friday, February 6
1100-1300H; 1300-1500H; 1700-1900H; 1900-2100H.
Saturday, February 7
1700-1900H; 1900-2100H.
Sunday, February 8
1500-1700H.
(In no way is this related to the Vancouver Aquarium's announcement
yesterday that Aurora the Beluga whale is expecting) Our home
team Jericho Outrigger Canoe Club will be hosting the Pacific
North West Outrigger Racing Canoe Association Race (PNWORCA) on
Saturday, February 14 at 1100H. Outriggers from all over the Pacific
Northwest will be breaking the ice on a busy 2009 racing schedule
at the Jericho Sailing Centre-spectator mittens & toques recommended.
JSCA's Developing Action Plan for 2009
More Committee meetings are on the schedule in the further development
of the JSCA's Annual Action Plan for 2009. The meetings are
open and all members are invited to participate in the management
of our unique ocean access facility.
PROGRAMMES COMMITTEE (Next Meeting February 10 @ 1900H)
The agenda will include website development and JSCA's Racing
Schedule.
PLANNING COMMITTEE (Next Meeting February 11 @ 1900H)
The agenda will include development of JSCA's next 5 Year Strategic
Plan which will go into effect in 2010.
SAFETY COMMITTEE (Next Meeting February 7 @ 1000H)
The agenda will include purchasing of new Jericho Rescue Team
equipment and annual refit on JSCA's craft. This meeting will
be held at the BC Place Stadium during the Vancouver Boat Show-please
RSVP your attendance by Feb. 5 to arrange for entry.
JSCA BOARD February 17 @ 1900H
All JSCA Board and Committee minutes and meeting schedules
can be found on our website at www.jsca.bc.ca to facilitate
member awareness and involvement in their world class, one of
a kind, ocean access community centre.
JSCA 35th
Anniversary Fundraising Campaign |
Thank you to all the members who have participated in the
JSCA's 35th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign to date - so far,
your response has been outstanding. Members are directing their
donations to the following categories:
1) Compound Enhancement
2) Building Enhancement
3) Jericho Rescue
4) Disabled Sailing Association Dock Fund***
5) General
***As the JSCA is not a registered charity, if you require a
charitable receipt for tax purposes please direct your donation
to the DSA Dock Fund and the DSA will send you a receipt.
The JSCA Fundraising Committee developed the following letter
which was included in the annual JSCA invoicing package explaining
the JSCA 35th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign:
For 35 years, The Jericho Sailing Centre Association has operated
as a not-for-profit society dedicated to low cost ocean access
recreation. As the largest community-based aquatic association
of its kind in Canada, we're proud of what we've been able to
offer our members and the public. During 2008, JSCA's achievements
were remarkable:
Memberships provided 3,400
Clubs accommodated 38
Guests served 10,000
Youth participants in lessons 4,600
(sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, skimboarding)
Disabled Sailing Assoc. sessions 900
Competition events hosted 70
Mariners in distress rescued 241
(by our volunteer Rescue Team)
Great! What about next year? Despite these impressive accomplishments,
and the increasing demand for memberships and services, JSCA
currently faces more challenges than ever. As the Association
doesn't receive taxpayer or government funding, it depends solely
on its members and other users of the Jericho Sailing Centre
to fund the annual operating budget as well as essential upgrades,
enhancements and improvements for the benefit of all members,
guests and other participants.
What can be done? As we develop alternative fundraising initiatives
to ensure the smooth operation of the Jericho Sailing Centre
now and in the foreseeable future, we're pleased to introduce
JSCA's first Annual Giving Campaign.
What's the goal of Annual Giving? The Annual Giving Fund represents
the ongoing contributions by members and friends of the Jericho
Sailing Centre who wish to provide much needed continuing support
for the Centre. The goal of this year's Annual Giving Fund is
to raise $40,000. Monies raised will be applied towards JSCA's
Building and Compound Enhancement, Jericho Safety & Rescue,
and additional facilities for the Disabled Sailing Association.
If you're passionate about the Jericho Sailing Centre, have
benefited from all it has to offer individuals, families and
children, and want to see the legacy of this spectacular facility
and location continue to thrive, Annual Giving is a great way
to give back to the Centre. JSCA needs your support. Your gift,
whatever the size, will make a difference.
Can I direct my gift? You certainly can! You may choose to
contribute an unrestricted gift to the General Fund that can
be used in the area of greatest need as directed by the JSCA
Board. You can also choose to direct your donation to an area
of JSCA you feel most passionate about. JSCA also welcomes planned
giving and living legacy giving (please contact the office for
more information).
How can I make a contribution? Include your donation with your
annual JSCA fees or download the Donation Form from our website
and fax it to 604-224-4168, or mail or drop it off in person
at JSCA, 1300 Discovery St., Vancouver, BC V6R 4L9 (Tel 604-224-4177).
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Please consider supporting JSCA through this year's Annual Giving
Campaign.
Thank you.
On the
Water Your Safety is Your Responsibility |
A reminder to members who play on the bay at this time of year-place
an extra emphasis on boat safety for yourself and your crew.
Jericho Rescue and other boaters are notably scarce at this
time of the year so you must take extra care to ensure a safe
on water session. It starts with a check of the weather forecast
and tidal activity. Let a friend or family member know you are
going, where you are going and when you expect to be back on
shore (follow-up with an après sailing phone call). Do a meticulous
pre-launch check of your craft and equipment. Recognize when
conditions are beyond your ability and choose not to launch.
Make sure you are properly dressed-wetsuit/drysuit/hat/booties/gloves-including
your PFD. Double check your safety equipment-paddles, bailer,
whistle, flares. Know when the sun is setting and understand
that the wind often shuts off abruptly in the hour before sunset.
Don't go farther from shore than you care to paddle back if
you or your equipment should fail or the wind shuts off.
One final tip: enclose your fully charged cell phone in two
sealed sandwich bags and keep on your person. In the event of
a sea disaster you can't solve yourself, dialing *311 will put
you in touch with the Canadian Coast Guard's Rescue Coordination
Centre.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oars truly,
Mike Cotter
Jericho Sailing Centre
Links to previous issues |