Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson registered his opposition more than a year ago to Port Metro Vancouver taking over the operation of Granville Island, suggesting that a Granville Island Authority similar to the Vancouver International Airport Authority be created instead.

In a letter to federal Industry Minister James Moore, which was released by the city of Vancouver and dated May 23, 2013, he suggested that the establishment of a relationship through Heritage Canada would be better suited to public policy goals. The proposed Granville Island Authority would assume management from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. under several conditions, including that the Government of Canada enter into a ground lease with the authority.

On Thursday, Robertson released a statement affirming his strong opposition to a reported federal plan to turn Granville Island, which attracts 10 million visitors a year, over to the port.

It’s been reported that a secret deal to transfer Granville Island operations to the port is all but done.

Some critics are calling the plan a cynical attempt by the port to polish its public image in the midst of a controversial expansion of its facilities throughout the region aimed at accommodating more pipelines, tankers, coal shipments, containers and trucks.

The island is also at an important juncture, with its largest tenant — Emily Carr University of Arts and Design — moving in 2016, leaving behind 195,000 square feet of vacant space.

The port’s president and CEO Robin Silvester said in a statement Friday that exploratory discussions are underway on the possibility of transferring the administration and management of Granville Island from the CMHC to the port.

“It is too soon to speculate on the outcome of these discussions,” said Silvester. “The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of Granville Island to the community as a cultural and economic jewel and is committed to maintaining its social, communal and commercial fabric.”

In his Thursday statement, Robertson called Granville Island “one of Vancouver’s most treasured places, and one of the top two tourist destinations anywhere in Canada.”

He said local decision-making and operations are crucial to the island’s success, adding: “The City of Vancouver is strongly opposed to Granville Island being controlled by Port Metro Vancouver, and we made our position clear to the port and the Government of Canada in discussions and correspondence over many months. As Mayor, I have worked to support a transfer or lease to the City, or the creation of an independent local authority with a mandate that is specific to Granville Island’s unique character.

“Port Metro Vancouver will always be an important part of our region’s trade economy, but Granville Island’s success is as a cherished centre for local food, the creative sector, and tourism that highlights the best Vancouver has to offer. The future of Granville Island should be built on that foundation.”

In the 2013 letter, Robertson outlined several concerns he had about the port taking over Granville Island, including the port’s commitments to its core activities, which would mean the future success of Granville Island would not be a major focus for them.