The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority says it’s time to ease off the throttle anywhere near the Lions Gate Bridge.
The port is issuing a request for boaters to respect a “temporary and voluntary” 15-knot speed limit when passing through the First Narrows Traffic Control Zone.
In the fall of 2017 the port authority briefly halted access for all non-motorized vessels to the area between Ferguson Point in Stanley Park and Navvy Jack Point in West Vancouver, save for a thin strip for fishing along Ambleside. They later walked back those restrictions but now that the summer months are here, the waterway under Lions Gate Bridge, much like the road on top, is becoming congested with commercial and recreational traffic.
“The First Narrows is a narrow waterway with challenging tide and current conditions that can make it difficult for small watercraft to safely navigate,” a statement from the port read. “More human-powered pleasure crafts including kayaks, canoes and paddle boards are in this area, especially during this time of year. The port authority is encouraging boaters to slow down as vessels moving at high speeds can pose a danger to these small watercraft.”
The voluntary restrictions are to remain in effect until Oct. 1.
