Victoria city hall has posted final warnings on derelict and live-aboard vessels anchored illegally in the Gorge waterway, telling owners to have them out by next Friday.

According to a city statement, 24 boats and four floating wharves are anchored illegally in the Gorge, contravening the city’s zoning regulation. Notices were affixed on all the vessels on Thursday asking owners to leave voluntarily.

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If they are not moved, the city will begin enforcement within weeks to remove the vessels according to Transport Canada regulations. The city is prepared to seek a court injunction from B.C. Supreme Court, if necessary, and has budgeted $120,000 for any enforcement.

Seven of the Gorge boats have people living aboard. So the city has sought assistance from Pacifica Housing Society to provide outreach and assistance in finding housing.

A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Victoria West Community Centre, 521 Craigflower Rd. It will give those living on Gorge boats a chance to connect with Pacifica outreach workers.

This is not the first time the city has tried to clear the Gorge waterway of illegally anchored vessels. The city bylaw prohibits a boat from anchoring more than 48 hours at a time and for more than 72 hours within 30 days.

A previous, similar removal approach was taken in June, and resulted in the removal of three vessels.

Another boat, this one illegally moored in the Saanich portion of the Gorge waterway, disappeared this past week, according to a municipal official.

Abandoned and derelict boats have been an issue for years in the Gorge, but all municipalities have found it difficult to do anything.

Chris Coates, Victoria city clerk, said waterways are a complex area for a municipality to administer.

“It’s been a long process and it’s very complicated,” Coates said. “But the city has been systematically going through the complicated regulatory structure to find the most effective way to achieve compliance.”

The Gorge waterway is considered a navigable water, so it’s the responsibility of the federal government. The provincial government has some jurisdiction close to shore.

Coates said the city has taken steps to get a licence of occupation from the provincial government. That has allowed the city to enact a bylaw governing the Gorge waterway.

The city has also sought guidance from the federal government on how it can operate as a receiver of wrecks, as defined by Transport Canada.

Coates said it is a little hard to predict exactly when the Gorge will be clear of unwanted boats. But the city is getting ready to move soon.

“In the next couple of weeks, there will be action,” he said.

rwatts@timescolonist.com