The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is looking into taking responsibility for Green Wharf, a Gabriola Island facility used regularly by Mudge Islanders, during medical emergencies, and by BC Ferries when the Descanso Bay dock is unusable.

Islands Trust Planner Patricia Maloney reported at a recent Local Trust Committee (LTC) meeting that Green Wharf had been targeted for decommission by Public Works Canada and there is not a lot that the Gabriola Local Trust Committee (LTC) can do about it. Nevertheless, trustees resolved to continue to support the residents of Mudge Island in their efforts to maintain the facility and directed staff to include additional advocacy policies addressing Green’s Landing (where the wharf is) in the new Official Community Plan.

Trustees also resolved to send a letter supporting Green Wharf to a number of agencies including: BC Ferries, BC Ambulance, the RDN, Ministry of Transportation, Public Works Canada and the Fire Improvement District.

Regional Director Gisele Rudischer reported at the Feb. 25 LTC meeting that the RDN made “a concerted effort” to gain control of the wharf once it was clear that Public Works was considering decommissioning it. She said RDN staff were instructed to look into the cost of maintaining the wharf when the federal agency announced its intention to divest itself of the structure.

Rudischer reported: “The average cost of repairs and maintenance is approximately $20,000 a year. The gangway and floats will need replacing within the next few years and repairs to the major structural components would need to be done in 5 to 10 years. Staff concludes that a yearly amount of $40,000 to $50,000 would be needed to cover the existing and future costs. This means that our taxes could go up as much as $4.00 per $100,000.

“… I’m not sure how Gabriolans feel about taking on this extra expense, but it should be pointed out that Mudge Islanders get very little for their tax dollars. They have one small park, no library, no building inspection services or garbage pick-up. I hope we remember this, if and when this increase is proposed”, she said.

Maloney earlier reported that Wharf Road – which runs off Brickyard Hill - stops before you get down to Green’s Landing where the wharf is situated. She said the rest of the road access to the wharf goes through private property. She said the owner has been “generous over the years in letting people continue to access it, but technically it is private property”.

Maloney said Public Works Canada understands the issue but has to get rid of these facilities. She said the agency would be willing to help the community to find alternative solutions but without some action “we will lose it eventually”.