Critics call for reversal of Vancouver Island coast guard closures

Community leaderswant thenew federal government to reverse coast guard closures on Vancouver Island over concernscritical local knowledge is being lost.

The previous Conservative government decided to consolidate thecoast guard'sWest Coast communications operations at upgraded centres in Victoria and Prince Rupert.

• 3 Canadian Coast Guard communication centres closing in B.C.

The communication centreinUclueletclosed in the spring. A similar centre inComoxis scheduled to close byMarch.

Courtenay-AlberniNDPMPGordJohns has metwith the minister responsible for the Canadian Coast Guard, Hunter Tootoo, to raise concerns about what he says arereductions to the service on Vancouver Island.

"Local knowledge is absolutely key," said Courtenay-AlberniNDPMP GordJohns.

"There's no way that two stations can embody the knowledge that will protect mariners in British Columbia."

The marine communication centres are responsible for listening for distress calls and guiding ships, much like air traffic controllers at airports.

When the closures were announced, the government said new technology in Prince Rupert and Victoria would be more reliable and coverage would not be reduced.

But during the recent rescue of passengers on a whale watching boat that capsizedoff Tofino, some fishermen reported difficulties communicating with coast guard operators in Prince Rupert.

The pressure to reverse theclosures on Vancouver Island also comes as theLiberals followthrough on a campaign promise to reopen theTheKitsilanocoast guard station in Vancouver.

• Vancouver's Kitsilano coast guard base to reopen 'as soon as possible'

Comox Mayor Paul Ivessaid the Liberal government still has time to reconsider before the communication centre in his community closes.

"MinisterTootoois certainly aware of the concerns around local knowledge. He comes from the North and he is aware of the issues around coast lines that are very unique in many parts of Canada," Ives said.

"If they don't reopen itofficially, at least put it on hold until they can do a proper assessment."

However,a spokesperson for the Canadian Coast Guard said Tuesday that there are no plans to restore the communicationcentres onVancouver Island.