History
In 2012 BC Ferries did not renew their licence with the province for use of the boat ramp located next to the terminal in the community of Shingle Spit. This is the only boat ramp on Hornby Island and since 2012 various community discussions have been underway to determine how to obtain this unmaintained boat ramp as a community asset. In 2014 a group of Hornby Island residents began a series of inquiries of how to achieve this and in 2017 the Hornby Island Residents and Ratepayers Association (HIRRA) officially requested the CVRD consider adding the boat launch to the parks service. In April 2018 the CVRD received a licence of Occupation with the Province to manage and upgrade the ramp and work began to improve ramp safety, including the addition of kick rails and signage. The boat ramp is important to the community in the case of an emergency where the island needs to be evacuated.
Information
Located next to the Ferry Terminal the Shingle Spit Boat Launch is the only boat launch on Hornby Island. The 3.8 meter wide boat launch is protected by a jetty on one side and the terminal on the other and gives boaters access to Lambert Channel. Until improvements can be made to the existing boat ramp we ask that boaters exercise caution on the ramp and follow the boat launch use expectations on the park signs. A six-stall boat trailer parking area is located next to the boat ramp. The angular parking area is for day use only. Recommended use is at higher tides and only for small recreational boats. Take care when loading and unloading boats, a guide person is recommended to assist drivers.
Location
- Hornby Island
Park Etiquette
- Do not block boat ramp with your vehicle
- Angular parking only in the parking area
- Boat launch and parking is day use only
- No diving or swimming from the boat ramp
Park Partners
- Boat Launch Committee of the Hornby Island Residents and Ratepayers Association