In my weekly reports, I generally try to focus on topics that will be of interest to as many local citizens as possible. In some situations, I may also focus on a particular topic that may be of interest only to a smaller group of citizens if there are proposed changes from the federal government that may have a more significant impact on them. This will be one of those reports.

Unless you are a boater, this week’s report may be of little to no interest to you. However, as we do have many boaters and others actively involved in the marine industry throughout our region, this is a report you might find of interest.

Effective immediately, Transport Canada has made significant changes to Canada’s Pleasure Craft Licence program, commonly known as vessel licences, that will impact many boat owners across Canada. For those unfamiliar with the program, if you are using your pleasure craft for recreation, it needs a licence if it meets both of the following criteria: it has one or more engines totaling at least 10 horsepower (7.5 kW) and is principally operated and maintained in Canadian waters.

Once you have your licence, you are required to carry it onboard at all times. Failure to do so can result in a fine of $250 if you do not have a valid licence. Your licence will also carry a unique registration number from Transport Canada, and this number must be displayed on both sides of the vessel near the bow.

For the record, none of this is new. What has changed is that the licence is now only valid for a period of five years and must be renewed every five years after. In addition, there will now be a registration fee to obtain your licence. The fee is $24 and is expected to track with inflation, with increases linked to the Consumer Price Index each year. Up until now, these licences were a lifetime registration with no fee.

The $24 fee will apply to a new licence, a renewal, a transfer, or to order a duplicate. All new licences will also now carry an expiry date. If your current licence does not have an expiry date, it will not be grandfathered. Instead, it will still require a mandatory renewal depending on the date your current licence was issued.

For example, if your licence was issued between January 1, 1975, and December 31, 1985, you will need a new licence prior to December 31, 2026. Newer licences have different expiry dates. Please contact my office if you require any additional information on this.

Another change is that effective December 31, 2027, wind-powered pleasure craft over six metres long will also require a licence. This means that sailboats over six metres will require a licence even if they do not have an engine above 10 horsepower onboard.

Why are these changes being implemented? According to Transport Canada, “These changes will make boating safer, protect the environment, and ensure licence holders share the cost of administering the program fairly.” Transport Canada also claims, “This will help the government tackle wrecked, hazardous, and abandoned vessels by keeping ownership information accurate and up to date.”

The last claim I find questionable.

From a few local experiences I have encountered, one of the challenges with abandoned vessels is that these owners typically do not register their vessels to begin with, often because they are in unauthorized moorage areas. In many ways, this will have the effect of creating more regulation and costs for responsible boat owners while offering no new teeth or enforcement mechanisms against those who intentionally refuse to register.

My question this week: Do you view the new five-year licence terms and new fees as reasonable or a government cash grab? Join the discussion online on my Facebook Page or alternatively I can be reached at [email protected] or call toll-free 1-800-665-8711.