Cass Bay Dinghies

9 October 2007

For many years residents of Cass Bay and surrounding areas have been casually  using the Cass Bay foreshore and the dinghy shelter to store their dinghies.
Christchurch City Council is responsible for the maintenance and administration of harbour facilities and this includes maintenance of  the dinghy shelter at Cass Bay.
Because of the longstanding informal use of the foreshore and shelter, and lack of records of those occupying the shelter it is becoming increasing difficult for the council to regularly maintain the area and the storage shelter, says Kathy Jarden, Property & Leasing Advisor, Christchurch City Council.
“It appears that some of the dinghies in the shelter have been abandoned and there are also a number of dinghies which are stored on the foreshore, some of which are tied up to waratahs and others attached to the exterior of the shelter”.
Ms Jarden says “In order to formalise the storage arrangements, Council will be issuing a Deed of Licence to Occupy the dinghy shelter and carrying out regular inspections of the shelter and foreshore”. 
The Deed of Licence will become effective 1 December 2007. A fee will be assessed in the 2008 / 2009 year.

Under the provisions of the Banks Peninsula District Marine Facilities Control Bylaw 2002, the Council has the authority to remove vessels that are abandoned, derelict or illegally stored on the foreshore areas.
“Vessels removed will be released to the owner on payment to the Council of the reasonable costs of the removal.  Vessels will be stored for three months only,” says Ms Jarden.
The Council is also looking at the possibility of providing increased storage facilities in the area.
Any requests for maintenance to the shelter or nearby slipway should be forwarded to Council. Phone 941-8666

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