In a word, Yes. Yes we should.

When the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre proudly unveiled it’s 450k building expansion back in September 2011, few of those outside the organization’s board of directors had an inkling of the financial problems that were then only just on the horizon.

According to information published in the Cowichan News Leader, a $210,000 grant was provided through the West Coast Community Adjustment Program, while $140,000 has come from existing reserves, contractor donations and a CVRD grant. An additional $100,000 was being sought to complete phase one of the endeavor.

The $450,000 (at last calculation) price tag for the 2000 square foot structure caused some locals to gasp. It appeared to be a case of the government offering grants, and local business owners rushing about looking for projects that could be made to qualify for those grants.

The financial stress then caused almost every other aspect of the Maritime Center’s buildings, projects and activities to become neglected. The Master Shipwright then on staff was forced to seek opportunities elsewhere. Courses in boat building and maintenance were slashed. Infrastructure was neglected. The haul-out ways, were allowed to deteriorate to the point where a complete rebuilding became the only option and yes, the covered pier was allowed to more or less go to pot. The roof leaks were permitted to worsen and finally, this year, black mold was discovered in the roof structure and behind the drywall.

Thanks to a board of directors who at the time thought more of applying for and obtaining government grants for expansion projects than about actually running the Centre for the benefit of it’s members and visiting guests, some members, myself included have come to the conclusion that it would have been much better for all concerned had the building expansion never been built in the first place. There wouldn’t have been as nice a front on the Maritime Centre facility, true enough, but there surely wouldn’t have been as much red ink in the bank balance book either.

Well, that board of directors, the one responsible for the current mess, is thankfully no longer at the helm as it were. A general housecleaning was undertaken and a new group of worthies have been voted into office. Unfortunately they have inherited the consequences of the decisions that have gone before, decisions which some of them as members actually voted against at the time.

New Facilities Manager Tony Owen, (who actually lives in Cowichan Bay Village) is one of those trying to repair the damage. Quoted in a recent local radio station interview with regard to the covered pier, where exhibits on display are offered at no charge, or by donation to an appreciative public he says; “We had some leaks in the roof and the water got in and caused us to have some problems with bad mold-issues behind the wallboards.” “It’s all been taking care of now — the mold is no longer there, but at the present time now we are having a drive to replace our roofs.”

And this is going to cost 20k.

I had the opportunity to have my wooden troller lifted out at Maple Bay for scraping bottom painting a few weeks ago. It would have been quite convenient as the boat was in Maple Bay at the time, the ways there wasn’t in use and I had the time to do the work myself. However I decided to delay until the Maritime Centre’s ways were back up and running so I could do it here. The moneys raised from the fees I’ll pay will be put to good use.

Let’s all do what we can to help restore the Maritime Centre, now that it’s back in the hands of those who will use it to remember and promote our Marine Heritage, and not just as a tool used by business interests to attract and then drive more tourists into existing businesses in Cowichan Bay.

Gloria Craig, Cowichan Wooden Boat Society President would like to remind everyone that the Pod Roof fund-raising campaign kicks off May 4 2013.

If you want to come visit the exhibits in the “new” building meanwhile or wish to make a small donation, they will be open and look forward to seeing you.

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