by Kendall Hanson April 19, 2026 6:12 pm
Six environmental organizations are taking their concerns about a proposed shipbuilding, repair and recycling facility in Union Bay to Prime Minister Mark Carney and B.C. Premier David Eby.
The organizations say Union Bay is not the right location for such work but if it’s approved if should at least require a closed containment system.
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Ian Munro, president of the Concerned Citizens of Baynes Sound, says they have an overarching concern for “the protection of Baynes Sound and the appropriate regulation of any industry that is allowed to operate in Baynes Sound.
The letter says Baynes Sound supports nearly half the province’s shellfish industry and is a traditional food harvesting area for the K’omoks First Nation.
“It is an incredibly sensitive area. It is an incredibly ecologically important area and any industry that’s not properly regulated and controlled can do significant damage,” said Munro.
Coastal Gateway Port is proposing a ship building, repair and ship breaking/recycling facility, along with a 1000 unit mixed-housing component, in Union Bay where Deep Water Recovery was operating until it’s foreshore lease was cancelled due to pollution. The letter suggests this isn’t the right location for such a facility.
“We really felt we had to act and speak to David Eby and Mark Carney about the new proposal by these very same people who have actually lost their lease because of the pollution they created,” said Dorrie Woodward, chair of the Association of Denman Island Marine Stewards.
Other signatories include the BC Shellfish Growers Association, the David Suzuki Foundation and West Coast Environment Law.
The CEO of the Coastal Gateway Port, Mike Butler, met with CHEK News at Fairwinds Harbour in Nanoose Bay suggesting the finished look of their project could be similar.
“Our strategy that we’ve released is about having closed facilities, covered facilities as well, if we are so lucky to proceed in the fashion of model we’re wanting to do,” said Butler. “We’re very very cognizant of their concerns and we feel they are very valid.”
Butler says the company welcomes rigour is in it’s consultation stage and it’s hoping to meet with all stakeholders with concerns about their project.
Butler says he’s been speaking with the federal government about a new sewage plant for the area that could be addressed with their proposal.
He adds there’s high demand to deal with end of life vessels and their proposal would create much needed jobs for the region.
Those behind the letter says they will be closely watching as more details about the project come to light.
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