Canadian Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra today announced the launch of a new call for proposals under the Oceans Protection Plan’s Abandoned Boats Program. The program aims to remove abandoned and wrecked vessels in Canadian waters, which can cause harm to the environment and public safety. The Canadian government is taking further action to remove these hazardous vessels and safeguard the coasts and waterways.
Through the call for proposals, the Canadian government will provide up to $1.6 million in total funding and cover up to 100% of the costs associated with the assessment and removal of abandoned or wrecked vessels. The funding will cover up to $5,000 for boat assessment projects and up to $250,000 for boat removal and disposal projects.
Applications are now being accepted from Indigenous communities and organizations, Canada Port Authorities, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, private ports and marinas, public sector organizations, and provinces, territories, and municipalities until June 15, 2023. Approved projects are expected to begin in 2023.
The Abandoned Boats Program is part of the Canadian government’s National Strategy to Address Wrecked and Abandoned Vessels, which aims to reduce the number of abandoned and wrecked vessels that pose hazards. The program has already approved funding for the assessment of 153 boat removal projects and the removal of 195 boats to date.
In addition to the Abandoned Boats Program, Canada’s National Strategy to Address Wrecked and Abandoned Vessels includes the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act and the Small Craft Harbours Abandoned and Wrecked Vessels Removal Program.
The funding announced today is part of the Government of Canada’s Budget 2022 commitment to provide $2 billion over nine years to renew Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan and expand its work into new areas. The Oceans Protection Plan keeps Canadian oceans and coasts healthy, advancing reconciliation and building a clean future for everyone.
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