GVHA, Float Home Owners Reach Accord
Dec 20, 2011
(News Release) VICTORIA — The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) and float home owners at Fisherman’s Wharf have successfully negotiated an agreement to resolve a dispute over licence terms.
Both parties have signed the agreement, which includes a commitment that no further legal action will be pursued, opting instead for dialogue and compromise to reach consensus.
GVHA and the Fisherman’s Wharf Community Association, which represents the float home owners, began discussions three months ago to resolve the dispute. Negotiations focused on finding common-sense solutions that addressed float home owners’ concerns about long-term security and predictable, fair rent increases as well as GVHA’s need to protect harbour assets for the long-term public interest. The process was successful not only in achieving an agreement, but also in strengthening the relationship between the two groups.
“Working with the float home owners to arrive at a mutually agreeable arrangement has been a very rewarding experience,” says GVHA CEO Curtis Grad. “We gained a stronger appreciation for the community’s perspectives, and we’ve strengthened our relationship through the process.”
Grad has been on the job for seven months and initiated discussions with the float home owners three months into his new role.
"After some years of rocky relations with GVHA, the residents of Fisherman's Wharf are very happy that our recent negotiations will assure a new and strong future for our community,” said Kim Young, Chair of the Fisherman’s Wharf Communication Association. “Our little village is breathing a collective sigh of relief and we are sure the positive relationship that we have forged over the last 3 months with the GVHA will make Fisherman's Wharf an even more amazing place to live."
The agreement includes an increase in the length of moorage licences, an agreed-upon method for appraisals and a standardized approach for establishing market rate. The new licence will take effect on April 1, 2012, under a three-year licence term.
The organizations look forward to a long and harmonious relationship in the pursuit of maintaining Fisherman’s Wharf as an amazing marine tourism destination.