HAABC 13th Annual Conference Jan 19-22, 2010
Embracing Change - Opportunities and Challenges in a New Climate was the theme of the 13th Annual Harbour Authority Association of BC Conference, recently held at the Coast Bastion Inn in Nanaimo, BC. The four-day event was well attended, with over 109 delegates from 39 harbours on the BC Coast, and a large Small Craft Harbours contingent, representing Pacific Region, Burlington, and Ottawa. Of special note the Freshwater Harbour Authority Advisory Council and the Pacific Coast Congress of Harbormasters and Port Managers sent delegates to our conference this year.
The event started off on Tuesday, January 19th with a gourmet wine and cheese reception catered by and held at the Coast Bastion Inn. The event was sponsored by Steven King of Inner Harbour Technologies and the Nanaimo Port Authority. Entertainment was provided by Steve Eakins of Nanaimo.
The conference commenced on Wednesday with an opening statement from the HAABC President, Art Childs. Art listed the achievements of the HAABC Board of Directors over the past few years. Following the introduction, we were treated to a fabulous presentation by Lutz Budde of Oona River focusing on the history and growth of Oona River. For some this proved to be the highlight of the conference. Well done Lutz!
This year we were honored with the presence of Parliamentary Secretary Randy Kamp, attending on behalf of the Fisheries Minister, Gail Shea, who was previously engaged and sent her regrets. Mr. Kamp’s address focused on the Canadian Economic Action Plan and its benefit to the SCH program and Harbour Authorities in BC. We offer many thanks to Mr. Kamp for taking time from his extremely busy schedule to show his commitment to the Harbour Authority Program. Representing the Pacific Region, SCH, were Ken Smith, the acting Associate Regional Director General, and Sarah Murdoch, the acting Regional Director. Also welcomed back was Kaye Love, Director of Harbour Policy and Program Planning from SCH in Ottawa as well as other out of province delegates, including Lindsay St. Denis, SCH Program Development Officer, Burlington, ONT; David Tomassen and Jeff Vidler, Freshwater Harbour Authority Advisory Council; Nick Sharkey and Norman Young, SCH Ottawa; and Tami Hayes, President of the Pacific Coast Congress of Harbormasters and Port Managers from the Port of Friday Harbour in Washington State.
Small Craft Harbours continued with the Harbour Authority Recognition Program that was initiated in 2008. The Individual Commitment Award was given to Art Childs, Harbour Manager of the False Creek Harbour Authority. The Harbour Authority Achievement Award was given to Mission Harbour Authority and was accepted by the Mission HA president Alec Finnsson. The Harbour Authority Environmental Stewardship Award was presented to Okeover Harbour Authority and accepted by Director Mike Mullan. Congratulations!
Small Craft Harbours enlisted the assistance of Simon Colwell, Habitat Management Biologist with the Oceans, Habitat and Enhancement Branch of Fisheries and Oceans based out of Campbell River to outline the process on how to obtain habitat approval for Projects within our Harbour Authorities water lots. This was followed by an informative presentation by Iain Smith of the BC Cetacean Society on the importance of reporting sightings of marine mammals. Mike Richards of the Georgia Strait Alliance spoke on the success of the Clean Marine BC Program and presented False Creek Harbour Authority with their newly acquired Clean Marine Certification. False Creek was able to obtain a 4 (out of a possible 5) anchors rating. Congratulations to the staff and board of False Creek HA on your commitment and hard work!
Following lunch the Annual General Meeting commenced, at which time three new directors were elected; Claus Sjogren from Pender Harbour, Julie Blood from French Creek, and Frank Keitsch from Steveston (Frank had been filling in as interim director for the Lower Mainland, replacing Bob Baziuk). The rest of the board agreed to remain in their positions. Thank you all for the extra commitment and time it takes to fill a position on the HAABC Board, your contribution is greatly appreciated.
The remainder of the day was spent in a Fire Fighting Interactive Workshop facilitated by John Lewis of SeaFire Training Ltd. John has been putting on training at Harbour Authorities since 2002 and has become an integral part of the ongoing training opportunities provided to Harbour Authorities in BC.
The conference resumed Thursday morning with the introduction of an Electronic Survey sponsored and organized by Small Craft Harbours Pacific. It was during this session that pertinent questions were asked that had been previously developed by SCH and the Board of the HAABC. The intent was to get input from Harbour Authorities as to their needs and the demographic of the HAs. It was a wonderful opportunity to provide both SCH and the HAABC with a report on how we are doing at meeting the needs of Harbour Authorities. The results of the study proved to be highly informative. It provided an invaluable tool to address the needs and trends experienced in and by HAs. Sharpe Decisions provided the technology in a very professional and user friendly manner. A big thanks to Linda at Sharpe!
After the first survey session, SCH engineer Mike Braim introduced one of the modules contained within the Maintenance Manual entitled Dock Maintenance. This was followed by an update from Ben Mabberley on the HAC Insurance Program and the Dockside Monitoring Program. Gina Johansen then provided an update on the programs administered by FishSafe BC.
The Call of the Ports was next. It is evident that Harbour Authorities continue to be progressive in planning for the future. The Economic Action Plan is proving to be a boon to HAs up and down the coast.
Jim Allen returned to our conference to make a presentation on Electrical systems. As usual the questions from HAs kept him hopping, proving that harbours are keen to keep their electrical services in good working order. Chris Hannah of BC Hydro followed by encouraging HAs to participate in the Power Smart Program.
Another session of Call of the Ports provided us with updates on harbour activities. Marilyn Hutchinson welcomed the delegates on behalf of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. This is a relatively new tradition when holding functions on First Nation’s Ancestral Lands. Marilyn’s presentation on Economic Development focused on Nanaimo’s action plan and suggested things to consider when expanding our own facilities.
The traditional Thursday evening Banquet began at 6:00 p.m. followed by dancing with Nanaimo’s Racket Club! Funds were raised for the Dick Maughan Memorial Marine Education Scholarship and the Haitian Earthquake Relief fund through a raffle and 50/50 draw. Russel Simpson generously donated his winnings, providing funding for Oona River to participate in the U of A Training as well as increasing our contribution to the Haitian Relief Fund. The President of the HAABC, Art Childs, Vice President, Hiltje Ramsay, Secretary/Treasurer Rick Hill, and Board Members Claus Sjogren, Julie Blood, Frank Keitsch, and Janet Rooke were formally introduced as the new Board of Directors of the HAABC.
Friday morning started off with the ever popular subject of Derelict Vessels. Liz McLeod outlined the progress of the DV Committee to date. Don Rodden of Canadian Coast Guard Response summarized the process for reporting the presence of Derelict Vessels. He clarified the role of the Ship Source Oil Pollution Fund. To round out the discussion, Andrew Pitcher of Nanaimo reported on the successes and challenges that Nanaimo Port Authority has had with cleaning up their Derelict Vessel Problem.
The final presenter at this year’s conference was Heather Weber, a partner with Meyers, Norris and Penny. Heather outlined the looming implementation of the HST and how it could affect our Harbour Authority’s customers and accounting systems. Heather’s presentation was helpful and informative and we thank her for donating her time to the HAABC.
The conference was buttoned up with another welcome opportunity for zone meetings. This is the true purpose of the conference, to gather together to discuss the issues and challenges facing Harbour Authorities. The conference provides an opportunity to share experiences and come up with solutions. Harbour Authority staff and boards often work in isolation, so it is important to realize that there is a place to turn to for assistance. The HAABC and SCH strive to provide that avenue of support so that we can all grow and prosper.
I would like to thank all who attended the conference and I hope you found it to be a useful experience. A special thank you goes to the exhibitors whose expertise is an invaluable addition to the conference. Their participation allows us to continue to offer quality events for our delegates. The Coast Bastion staff did a fabulous job of accommodating our needs. Thank you to Robin, CJ, and their staff.
We look forward to seeing you all again next year!
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