Makeshift houseboat raises questions in Surrey

A camper trailer mounted on a makeshift barge is moored on Surrey’s Nicomekl River near Portage Park, raising questions among nearby residents about its safety and possible environmental effects.

The floating structure consists of a camper trailer sitting on 36 round containers and steel beams. Residents told Global News they watched it being assembled and then lifted into the river by crane. No one inside responded when Global News called from the shore.

Some residents raised concerns about fish spawning in the river after observing what appeared to be oil slicks. They also questioned how securely the structure was moored, saying it was tied to a rotting stump.

The City of Surrey said it issued warnings to the vessel’s owner earlier this month. It also issued one parking ticket when the structure was on City land; the ticket was still visible on the trailer Sunday.

The City said it will work with partner agencies, including Transport Canada, to ensure the matter is resolved properly. It said it will not permit derelict or abandoned vessels on the Nicomekl River.

Transport Canada said Monday that it recently became aware of the vessel and will follow up with its owner. Officials may carry out further inspections or compliance verification, as appropriate, to determine whether it meets applicable marine-safety and environmental requirements.

The department said a craft must be capable of navigation to qualify as a vessel under the Canada Shipping Act, though it does not necessarily need a motor to comply with Transport Canada regulations, citing barges, kayaks and canoes as examples. It said an inspection would be needed to determine the vessel’s specific requirements.

People may build vessels for personal use, Transport Canada said, but they must comply with all applicable requirements under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, and its regulations, including safety and environmental rules.