After an unsuccessful injunction hearing in December, the Ladysmith Maritime Society is trying to maintain a presence at Oyster Bay Marina, formerly known as Ladysmith Community Marina.
On Jan. 1, the Coast Salish Development Corporation, the economic arm of Stz’uminus First Nation, took over operations of the marina after the Town of Ladysmith abandoned the lease to facilitate a 2022 reconciliation deal between the province and the First Nation.
According to a rise-and-report at a Ladysmith council meeting Jan. 23, the society is still able to operate the maritime museum, the heritage boatshed, and 20 feet of moorage space paid for by the town.
READ MORE: Ladysmith Community Marina will become Oyster Bay Marina
“An outstanding disagreement persists regarding the ownership of LMS’ boathouses and the entire marina infrastructure, prompting recent communications wherein LMS has expressed its commitment to finding an amicable solution with the new operators of the marina,” noted a release from the society.
In the release, Marnie Craig, president of the society, said despite the town’s resolution, the society is still preparing for a worst-case scenario where “LMS may be forced to remove all maritime assets from the marina” because she said the corporation has not yet agreed to the continued presence of the society in the marina.
In the short term, the society is preparing for B.C. Heritage Day on Feb. 19 at the boat restoration shop with harbour tours departing from the Ladysmith Yacht Club due to uncertainty surrounding access to Oyster Bay Marina. LMS is also preparing to re-open the museum upon receiving approval from the corporation.
bailey.seymour@nanaimobulletin.com
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