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in the wind Jericho Sailing Centre
Association
January 30, 2009
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.

Letter to the Park Board

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.


ORCA's Do Valentines Day

(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.

Upcoming JSCA meetings

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

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