The Gatineau

 

MEMORANDUM
 

DATE: Tuesday, June 11, 2002
 

TO: 1000 Islands Dive Community
 

FROM: Waterfront Alliance Kingston
______________________________________________________________________
 

It is with regret that Waterfront Alliance Kingston has had to withdraw its offer on the HMCS Gatineau.  There are too many outstanding issues associated with the 1000 Islands Artificial Reef project that need to be sorted out before we can proceed with putting down a deposit on the ship, notwithstanding realizing the target date of sale in March 2003. 
 

Though we have modeled our project on other successful artificial reef projects realized in British Columbia, Australia and New Zealand, the complexities, complications and expense involved in carrying out such a project in the Great Lakes have increased over the years since we began work on the project in 1998. 
 

Despite these challenges, at a recent Board of Directors meeting, we agreed to continue to pursue our goal of creating an artificial reef in the 1000 Islands region.  We strongly believe that it will have a positive economic impact on the region for decades to come as well as brand the region as a world-class destination for divers and their families. 
 

Waterfront Alliance Kingston will enter into a period of reflection and study.  There are several issues that must be addressed before proceeding forward.  The base of support within area business communities and municipalities needs to be broadened and strengthened, such that there is a clear understanding of risk assessment and return on investment in moving the project to fruition. 
 

The moratorium on ship sinking currently in place in Ontario needs to be lifted, pending the ratification of a provincial ship sinking policy by the Ministry of Natural Resources.  This policy must protect the fresh water environment.  It should also recognize that, when carried out to established specifications, the creation of artificial reefs in Ontario waters are an asset to the province by fostering economic diversification, not a health and safety liability.

 

Waterfront Alliance Kingston is committed to trying to achieve the aforementioned objectives in order to pursue our goal of creating an artificial reef.  We have requested that Crown Assets keep us apprized of any developments with the sale of the HMCS Gatineau as well as preparations for disposal of the HMCS Terra Nova.

 

On behalf of our Board of Directors, we would like to thank all of those individuals, businesses and organizations who have helped keep this project moving along over the past four years.  The 1000 Islands Artificial Reef Project can be a shining example of what can be accomplished when individuals and communities work together towards common goals to the benefit of the entire 1000 Islands Region.  We hope to be able to count on your support, and with time and due diligence, to be in a position to take one of those majestic ships up the St. Lawrence to a place where she would be given a new purpose and mission.

 

Sincerely Yours,
 

WATERFRONT ALLIANCE KINGSTON
 

 

Candice Christmas, Director
Tel.  613-453-1438 (cell)
E-mail:  Candice@nowinc.ca
 

Ross Cameron, Director
Tel. 613-539-6813 (cell)
E-mail:  grc@cork.org
 

Chad Richard, Director
Tel. 613-544-2725, ext. 223
E-mail:  Richard@kingstoncanada.com
 

Donna Miller, Director
E-mail:  dmiller17@cogeco.ca
 

Chris McCarney, Director
Tel. 613-382-2144
E-mail:  cuan@cogeco.ca