The Vancouver Parks Board is trying to figure out what to do with the old seaplane wharf, between Jericho Sailing Centre and Royal Van. You know, the one right here:

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They're calling it the Jericho Marginal Wharf and apparently it is in such poor shape that they must start working on it quickly, or it will become dangerous. You can see all their proposed ideas of how to re-develop this wharf, right here: www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/info/planning/jerichomarginalwharf/

Surprisingly, none of the suggested development options includes a marina. That's really strange, since..

• The Parks Board is painfully aware of the current moorage crisis. We 've been complaining about it for years, Pacific Yachting has been publishing stories about it and of course they are already operating Burrard and Civic Marinas..
• The location is ideal! It would make easily the most desirable marina in English Bay and even neatly "enclose" Jericho beach between itself and RoyalVan, where a few mooring buoys would make an amazing overnighting spot for visiting sailboats - so it would enhance both local boating and Vancouver tourism
• It would generate tremendous revenues for the Parks Board. A modern marina at that location could easily charge $14-$16 per foot; and a proper shore facility (restaurant, "clubhouse") would compliment that very nicely
• Traffic/parking would not cause problems for the local residents. The facility is accessed by its own road, next to Jericho Sailing Centre
• The environmental impact would be minimal, especially if the facility was for sailboat-use-only, which is also not an issue: power-boats can easily motor out of False Creek, Coal Harbour and elsewhere - they'd rather pay less for moorage
• Tremendous synergies with Jericho Sailing would be possible, creating unique opportunities for community programs, Olympic programs etc. Perhaps BC Sailing has something to say about that?

The good news is that the Parks Board is seeking feedback on their ideas. They are running an online survey here: www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/feedback/jerichowharf.shtml. Naturally, there is no "Do you have a better idea" option on the survey (how could we, possibly? haha ) but there is space for comments. So you can rank all their ideas "Least Preferred" and free-form the Marina idea in the "Comments & Suggestions" box.

This is a very real, once in a lifetime opportunity for sailing in Vacouver. Go answer the survey and Ask for a Marina, instead!

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