Maple Bay Wharf Replacement
Thank you to everyone who has participated in the engagement process. Phases 1 and 2 of public engagement are now complete. We received helpful input from the community of North Cowichan and the Maple Bay area residents through two open houses and online surveys that have helped to inform a final preferred concept plan.
- Review the Phase 2 Engagement Summary of the input received: What We Heard
First Nations consultation
Following the public engagement phases, North Cowichan staff consulted with Cowichan Tribes on the replacement of the wharf. Feedback was received on building materials, environmental issues, accessibility, reserved moorage and archaeological requirements. This feedback will be incorporated into the final design of the wharf.
Next steps
In 2023 a design brief and conceptual design was developed based on input from Cowichan Tribes and the from what was heard from the public in 2022. The conceptual design includes access to the beach, moorage for small vessels and tenders, a gazebo and 100 meters of vessel parking. The moorage will be a combination of reserved and transient and short term.
Staff budgeted $1,200,000 in the 2024 capital budget for the replacement of the wharf. This includes the wharf head, gangway, floats and piles. Wharf lighting and water service (including hydrants) will be part of the final design. The project does not include the upland parking lot area which will be budgeted in a subsequent year.
In July 2024 proposals were received for the final design of the Maple Bay Wharf. The design work will include environmental and archeological investigations and permitting, surveying, geotechnical study and wave study.
The design and permitting will be complete in the summer of 2025, tendering will commence the early fall and construction will start late fall and be completed spring 2026.
Background
The wharf at Maple Bay is nearing the end of its lifespan. North Cowichan intends to replace the wharf, however it would like to hear from feedback to help inform conceptual designs. The existing facility is primarily used for temporary summer moorage as it is not protected from winter storms.
Thank you to everyone who has participated in the engagement process. Phases 1 and 2 of public engagement are now complete. We received helpful input from the community of North Cowichan and the Maple Bay area residents through two open houses and online surveys that have helped to inform a final preferred concept plan.
- Review the Phase 2 Engagement Summary of the input received: What We Heard
First Nations consultation
Following the public engagement phases, North Cowichan staff consulted with Cowichan Tribes on the replacement of the wharf. Feedback was received on building materials, environmental issues, accessibility, reserved moorage and archaeological requirements. This feedback will be incorporated into the final design of the wharf.
Next steps
In 2023 a design brief and conceptual design was developed based on input from Cowichan Tribes and the from what was heard from the public in 2022. The conceptual design includes access to the beach, moorage for small vessels and tenders, a gazebo and 100 meters of vessel parking. The moorage will be a combination of reserved and transient and short term.
Staff budgeted $1,200,000 in the 2024 capital budget for the replacement of the wharf. This includes the wharf head, gangway, floats and piles. Wharf lighting and water service (including hydrants) will be part of the final design. The project does not include the upland parking lot area which will be budgeted in a subsequent year.
In July 2024 proposals were received for the final design of the Maple Bay Wharf. The design work will include environmental and archeological investigations and permitting, surveying, geotechnical study and wave study.
The design and permitting will be complete in the summer of 2025, tendering will commence the early fall and construction will start late fall and be completed spring 2026.
Background
The wharf at Maple Bay is nearing the end of its lifespan. North Cowichan intends to replace the wharf, however it would like to hear from feedback to help inform conceptual designs. The existing facility is primarily used for temporary summer moorage as it is not protected from winter storms.
Have a question about the Maple Bay wharf replacement? Ask it here.
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Share Why is there any permanent moorage for recreational vessels at the public dock when there are ample opportunities in the numerous marinas in Maple Bay? The vast majority of permanent moorage in Croton and Chemainus is for commercial fishing vessels. I see this as OK for Maple Bay but why for recreational boats? on Facebook Share Why is there any permanent moorage for recreational vessels at the public dock when there are ample opportunities in the numerous marinas in Maple Bay? The vast majority of permanent moorage in Croton and Chemainus is for commercial fishing vessels. I see this as OK for Maple Bay but why for recreational boats? on Twitter Share Why is there any permanent moorage for recreational vessels at the public dock when there are ample opportunities in the numerous marinas in Maple Bay? The vast majority of permanent moorage in Croton and Chemainus is for commercial fishing vessels. I see this as OK for Maple Bay but why for recreational boats? on Linkedin Email Why is there any permanent moorage for recreational vessels at the public dock when there are ample opportunities in the numerous marinas in Maple Bay? The vast majority of permanent moorage in Croton and Chemainus is for commercial fishing vessels. I see this as OK for Maple Bay but why for recreational boats? link
Why is there any permanent moorage for recreational vessels at the public dock when there are ample opportunities in the numerous marinas in Maple Bay? The vast majority of permanent moorage in Croton and Chemainus is for commercial fishing vessels. I see this as OK for Maple Bay but why for recreational boats?
GlennRobinson asked about 2 years agoThe wharf had a long history prior to North Cowichan assuming ownership from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in 2000 and the reserved spots are historic relics from that time. Long term moorage is also available at municipal wharfs in Chemainus and Crofton. The wharf replacement project will also review the continued use of the wharf, and how moorage is accommodated. More information about moorage and rates is on the municipal website. Please consider completing the survey and including any comments you have about moorage.
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Share What is the definition of permanent versus transient moorage? What is the duration of each? What are the criteria used to assign slips/dockage when requests exceed availability? What criteria are used to renew temporary and permanent use of the mooring/dockage, including when requests exceed availability? on Facebook Share What is the definition of permanent versus transient moorage? What is the duration of each? What are the criteria used to assign slips/dockage when requests exceed availability? What criteria are used to renew temporary and permanent use of the mooring/dockage, including when requests exceed availability? on Twitter Share What is the definition of permanent versus transient moorage? What is the duration of each? What are the criteria used to assign slips/dockage when requests exceed availability? What criteria are used to renew temporary and permanent use of the mooring/dockage, including when requests exceed availability? on Linkedin Email What is the definition of permanent versus transient moorage? What is the duration of each? What are the criteria used to assign slips/dockage when requests exceed availability? What criteria are used to renew temporary and permanent use of the mooring/dockage, including when requests exceed availability? link
What is the definition of permanent versus transient moorage? What is the duration of each? What are the criteria used to assign slips/dockage when requests exceed availability? What criteria are used to renew temporary and permanent use of the mooring/dockage, including when requests exceed availability?
Ogilvie asked about 2 years agoTransient moorage is for temporary use of the wharf. The wharf had a long history prior to North Cowichan assuming ownership from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in 2000 and the reserved spots are historic relics from that time. Long term moorage is also available at municipal wharfs in Chemainus and Crofton. The wharf replacement project will also review the continued use of the wharf, and how moorage is accommodated. More information about moorage and rates is on the municipal website. Please consider completing the survey and including any comments you have about moorage.
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Share Has there been a final decision made at present? We live in front of the dock and wonder what is being proposed? on Facebook Share Has there been a final decision made at present? We live in front of the dock and wonder what is being proposed? on Twitter Share Has there been a final decision made at present? We live in front of the dock and wonder what is being proposed? on Linkedin Email Has there been a final decision made at present? We live in front of the dock and wonder what is being proposed? link
Has there been a final decision made at present? We live in front of the dock and wonder what is being proposed?
judee asked about 2 years agoHi, public engagement is still underway, with three possible concept ideas now being considered. A survey is available for you to share your thoughts on the concepts. https://www.connectnorthcowichan.ca/maple-bay-wharf/survey_tools/maple-bay-wharf-community-survey
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Share Is there any consideration regarding widening the public boat launch? on Facebook Share Is there any consideration regarding widening the public boat launch? on Twitter Share Is there any consideration regarding widening the public boat launch? on Linkedin Email Is there any consideration regarding widening the public boat launch? link
Is there any consideration regarding widening the public boat launch?
Therese Buick asked about 2 years agoThanks for the question. The boat launch area is located outside of the wharf property boundary and is not included within the scope of wharf replacement project.
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Share Why is the Public Wharf usually closed to the public? Usually, only one hard-to-access berth is open to the public & usually it is taken. The rest is all reserved. Why? The wharf is clearly way too small for the heavy use it sustains. on Facebook Share Why is the Public Wharf usually closed to the public? Usually, only one hard-to-access berth is open to the public & usually it is taken. The rest is all reserved. Why? The wharf is clearly way too small for the heavy use it sustains. on Twitter Share Why is the Public Wharf usually closed to the public? Usually, only one hard-to-access berth is open to the public & usually it is taken. The rest is all reserved. Why? The wharf is clearly way too small for the heavy use it sustains. on Linkedin Email Why is the Public Wharf usually closed to the public? Usually, only one hard-to-access berth is open to the public & usually it is taken. The rest is all reserved. Why? The wharf is clearly way too small for the heavy use it sustains. link
Why is the Public Wharf usually closed to the public? Usually, only one hard-to-access berth is open to the public & usually it is taken. The rest is all reserved. Why? The wharf is clearly way too small for the heavy use it sustains.
Cynthia Montgomery asked about 2 years agoThe wharf is open to the public and is primarily used for long term moorage as you have stated. Our bylaw allows for this type of moorage and is similar to our facilities at Crofton and Chemainus. This process to replace to wharf offers an opportunity to consider other options for the wharf that improve its functionality and accommodate alternative uses. We encourage you to complete the survey that is open now (until August 31). During the second phase of engagement, the public will have additional opportunities to share feedback on potential design options.
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Share Has the municipality considered adding a floating retail space such as a cafe? Could be an attraction for visitors on water and land on Facebook Share Has the municipality considered adding a floating retail space such as a cafe? Could be an attraction for visitors on water and land on Twitter Share Has the municipality considered adding a floating retail space such as a cafe? Could be an attraction for visitors on water and land on Linkedin Email Has the municipality considered adding a floating retail space such as a cafe? Could be an attraction for visitors on water and land link
Has the municipality considered adding a floating retail space such as a cafe? Could be an attraction for visitors on water and land
Farlan asked over 2 years agoThank you for this suggestion. North Cowichan has not considered such an addition to the wharf replacement project. The waterlot area available for wharf and float construction is very limited and would not be suitable for such as addition. As well, the need to add water and sewage connections would make this cost prohibative.
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Share Why are there ‘reserved’ spots at the wharf? Who gets those? How long are those boats allowed to moor there? Why? on Facebook Share Why are there ‘reserved’ spots at the wharf? Who gets those? How long are those boats allowed to moor there? Why? on Twitter Share Why are there ‘reserved’ spots at the wharf? Who gets those? How long are those boats allowed to moor there? Why? on Linkedin Email Why are there ‘reserved’ spots at the wharf? Who gets those? How long are those boats allowed to moor there? Why? link
Why are there ‘reserved’ spots at the wharf? Who gets those? How long are those boats allowed to moor there? Why?
Cecelia asked over 2 years agoThe wharf had a long history prior to North Cowichan assuming ownership from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in 2000. Reserved spots are historic relics from that time. Long term moorage is also available at municipal wharfs in Chemainus and Crofton. The wharf replacement project will also review the continued use of the wharf, and how moorage is accommodated. Please consider completing the survey and including any comments you have about moorage.
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Share Will the rental fees cover replacement costs on Facebook Share Will the rental fees cover replacement costs on Twitter Share Will the rental fees cover replacement costs on Linkedin Email Will the rental fees cover replacement costs link
Will the rental fees cover replacement costs
Chris asked over 2 years agoReserve funding has been set aside to cover the capital cost of replacing the wharf. Fees collected are meant to provide upkeep related to wharf use, and other operational expenses.
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Share Why does the Muni permit long term rentals of spaces at the dock as it leaves little room for visitors or short term stays?? Until recently, some boats there never moved in months/years on Facebook Share Why does the Muni permit long term rentals of spaces at the dock as it leaves little room for visitors or short term stays?? Until recently, some boats there never moved in months/years on Twitter Share Why does the Muni permit long term rentals of spaces at the dock as it leaves little room for visitors or short term stays?? Until recently, some boats there never moved in months/years on Linkedin Email Why does the Muni permit long term rentals of spaces at the dock as it leaves little room for visitors or short term stays?? Until recently, some boats there never moved in months/years link
Why does the Muni permit long term rentals of spaces at the dock as it leaves little room for visitors or short term stays?? Until recently, some boats there never moved in months/years
Kurt asked over 2 years agoNorth Cowichan’s Fees and Charges bylaw outlines the fee schedule for moorage at Maple Bay, which includes daily, monthly, and quarterly options for mooring. Lengths of stay have been longstanding options. Future uses of the wharf are included in the current public engagement. Changes to the moorage options may change as a result of feedback heard from the public. Please share any thoughts you have regarding moorage fees and duration by completing the survey.
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Share Is there a charge to tie up to the docks at Maple Bay Wharf? Is there a payment box? Is there a maximum stay (how many hours)? Day use only? Overnight stays allowed? on Facebook Share Is there a charge to tie up to the docks at Maple Bay Wharf? Is there a payment box? Is there a maximum stay (how many hours)? Day use only? Overnight stays allowed? on Twitter Share Is there a charge to tie up to the docks at Maple Bay Wharf? Is there a payment box? Is there a maximum stay (how many hours)? Day use only? Overnight stays allowed? on Linkedin Email Is there a charge to tie up to the docks at Maple Bay Wharf? Is there a payment box? Is there a maximum stay (how many hours)? Day use only? Overnight stays allowed? link
Is there a charge to tie up to the docks at Maple Bay Wharf? Is there a payment box? Is there a maximum stay (how many hours)? Day use only? Overnight stays allowed?
connectnorthcowichan asked over 2 years agoYes, there is a charge to moor at the Maple Bay Wharf. Charges are per foot of vessel, and vary depending on length of stay. The list of fees is on North Cowichan’s website. The payment box is located near the community bulletin board at the start of the ramp.
Who's Listening
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Director of Operations
Phone 250-746-3146 Email operations@northcowichan.ca
Project Timeline
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June - July 2022 - Project kickoff
Maple Bay Wharf Replacement has finished this stage- Background review
- Environmental and archaeological assessment
- Stakeholder session
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August - Phase 1 Engagement & Conceptual Plan Development
Maple Bay Wharf Replacement has finished this stage- Public survey (closed)
- Public open house #1 (closed)
- First Nations consultation
- Stakeholder sessions
- Develop preliminary concept plans
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November 2022 - Phase 2 Engagement
Maple Bay Wharf Replacement has finished this stage- Public Open House #2 Wednesday November 9 from 4-6pm
- Online Engagement November 8 to November 27
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2023-2024 - Finalize Concept
Maple Bay Wharf Replacement is currently at this stage- Finalize concept and prepare design brief
- Included in the 2024 Capital Budget
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2025-2026 - Construction
this is an upcoming stage for Maple Bay Wharf Replacement-Design and permitting will be complete (summer of 2025)
-Construction tendering (fall 2025)
-Construction (complete in spring 2026)
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