Tag Archives: Whaletown dock

Summer Moorage Spots on Cortes Island

Harbour Authority Cortes Island (HACI) started taking applications for summer moorage spots at 9 AM on April 1st. 

Harbour Master Jenny Hartwick explained, “What’s happened over the last few years on Cortes, especially after Covid,  is we’ve seen a steady increase in summer visitors  and local residents getting out on the water. That puts additional pressure on the available moorage that we have at the docks.”

“The one point that I want to make really clear is we have ample space available for anyone who is looking for moorage at the docks. What we do not necessarily have available is moorage at your first choice dock.  We have some  areas of higher population density and the docks that are in those areas tend to be the most popular. For safety reasons, we cannot accommodate every single boat that puts in a request for moorage at those docks.  If we tried,  there would be too many security issues: be it vessels getting damaged or the possibility of people getting hurt and, literally, the facilities themselves wouldn’t be able to support the weight of all of the boats that we have asking to stay there.”

Continue reading Summer Moorage Spots on Cortes Island

Open House at the Whaletown Dock; Renovations Needed

There were 45 people on the Whaletown dock when Cortes Currents left half way through the Open House on Monday, September 16. Some were listening to Andy Ellingsen, a Director of Harbour Authority Cortes Island (HACI), talk about the current condition of the wharf and what needs to be done. Others gathered in small groups, eating the free pizza, sharing memories or their perspectives on the matter. HACI has owned the 110-year-old structure since 2009 and now it is in need of extensive repairs. 

Continue reading Open House at the Whaletown Dock; Renovations Needed

HACI: Recreational Moorage and Winch usage on Cortes Island

Moorage for recreational boats is even more limited on Cortes Island this year and vessels intending to stay more than 3 nights must make prior arrangements with the Harbour Authority Cortes Island. In addition, Small Craft Harbours regulations for using winches have changed. The manual winches at Mansons Landing and Whaletown have been decommissioned. The winch at the Squirrel Cove dock is available for commercial users who make prior arrangements through the Harbour Authority. The general public is no longer allowed access except through certified staff provided by the Harbour Authority.    

Continue reading HACI: Recreational Moorage and Winch usage on Cortes Island

HACI: Parking Restrictions While Work Underway At Gorge & Whaletown Docks

Harbour Authority Cortes Island is asking the public to not use its upper Gorge Harbour parking lot or park at the Whaletown Commercial Dockhead until further notice. There is work underway at both locations.  

“A few years ago the Harbour Authority entered into a lease agreement with MOTI, the Ministry of Transportation, and we actually hold the road allowance leases for the lower part of Robertson Road. We  did some clearing,  graveled and then developed a parking lot,” explained Harbourmaster Jenny Hartwick.

Continue reading HACI: Parking Restrictions While Work Underway At Gorge & Whaletown Docks

Long term moorage in Whaletown and Cortes Bay fully booked for the summer 

As the weather turns warmer, some recreational vessels seek moorage at Cortes Island docks for periods of between one and six months. This is called long-term-moorage. On Wednesday, May 3, the Harbour Authority of Cortes Island (HACI) issued a press release stating that their docks in Whaletown and Cortes Bay are now full for long-term-moorage this summer. 

“When we’re talking about long-term recreational moorage, we’re just talking about individuals who are looking to moor a boat and not live on it,” explained Harbourmaster Jenny Hartwick

Continue reading Long term moorage in Whaletown and Cortes Bay fully booked for the summer