Vancouver hopeful for more control over False Creek access

Vancouver City Council will voteon a motion that could eventually give the citygreater authority over False Creek.

Currently, regulations do not allow the city to restrictanchoring or access in the Downtown Vancouver waterway, as it is an open waterway under the Canada Shipping Act.

"The goal is to amend the applicable legislation that will allow the City of Vancouver, as the local authority for False Creek, greater flexibility in managing waterway activities in False Creek," the motion reads.

Acting Mayor Raymond Louie put forward the motion, which comes a year after a charter boat disrupted the annual dragon boat races. He says it highlightedthe limitations the city faces in overseeing what goes on in the waters of False Creek.

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"We do not have jurisdiction over that space ...We need to really formalize the rules of use," he said.

"As usage intensifies in False Creek ... we want to work with the federal government to make sure regulations related to anchoring and such are appropriate. We're looking forauthority to enforce some of these rules to ensure there is unrestricted access for all users of the space, but making sure it's safe."

With files from Deborah Goble