Green Light For Victoria "Mega-Yacht" Marina

VICTORIA - They might as well be the winds of change blowing through the Songhees Friday. The majestic slice of the capital's harbour is one step closer to a transformation into the Victoria International Marina after Transport Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans ruled the project will not adversely affect the environment.
Now the group behind the "mega-yacht" marina expects the federal government will grant its navigable waters permit. Once that happens it still needs some help from the province. "We need a crown lease for the water lot we don't own - the province was waiting on the result of the assessment, so that's positive" says WAM Development's Lachlan MacLean.

But as permits and assessments fall into line, public opinion may not be. A colourful protest two weeks ago at the marina site is the latest example of the outpouring of opposition to the plan, and Friday Victoria MP Denise Savoie spoke out against the environmental assessment saying it doesn't take into account quality of life issues. "Viewscapes, privatization of a piece of our harbour to become a parking lot for mega boats, a walkway with stunning views will be obstructed" she says.

The developers say it is a myth that the public does not support the marina project, pointing to a 2009 survey of people living in Victoria, which suggests 53% of respondents do support the project, and 74% feel it will have a positive effect on the economy.

WAM Development Group has also set up a website - marinafacts.ca - where it says the public can learn how the marina will benefit local business and the environment. "People have to put it into context. This site was heavily industrial for 100 years. We're going to restore the original seabed and bring sealife back" adds MacLean.

Savoie says she's never received so many calls and emails from angry constituents, who are refusing to back down. "It's not over as one of my constituents said, until the fat yacht sings."

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