A retiring Canadian Coast Guard member who has spent almost 20 years at Kitsilano Base says it is time the federal government took the blinders off and stopped gagging its employees. Gerry Moores scoffs at claims by tory MP James moore and others who say safety won't be affected by closing Kits Base. "I would suggest I know quite a bit more than … [Read more...]
Earthquake fears prompt more warnings against closing Kits base
November 6, 2012 by
After last week's strong earthquake in the Haida Gwaii a former Commander of the Kitsilano Coast Guard base is, again, warning the federal government against shutting the facility down. Fred Moxey says Kits base would be one of the only structures in the area to survive if the "big one" ever strikes Vancouver. "Kitsilano was rebuilt in … [Read more...]
Protesters gather outside Conservative convention, in opposition of Kits Base closure
October 13, 2012 by
It was an opposition blackout as supporters of the Kitsilano Coast Guard station rallied outside a gathering of federal conservatives. While the dozen or so demonstrators carried signs and held placards outside, those inside the Richmond Sheraton Hotel would hardly have noticed. That's because a makeshift barrier was set up at an entrance with a … [Read more...]
Liberal MP to head weekend rally at Kits Coast Guard Base
September 29, 2012 by
There will be another rally to try and save the Kitsilano Coast Guard base Saturday morning. The Rally is being organized by Vancouver Liberal MP Hedy Fry. She says it is time the federal government listened to the overwhelming chorus of voices opposing the move and warning of the consequences. "C'mon this is...we are not beating … [Read more...]
City wasn’t in the loop on planned Kits base closure
September 18, 2012 by
Vancouver's Deputy City Manager has told council he had no idea the federal government was planning to close the Kitsilano Coast Guard station until he read about it in a newspaper. Sadhu Johnston is refuting government claims key stakeholders were consulted. He adds recent meetings with the feds have not gone well. "The direction we've been given … [Read more...]
Coroner’s jury says keep Kits Coast Guard base open
September 14, 2012 by
A coroner's jury has made four recommendations, after an inquest into the December 2010 death of 35-year old John Jason Erslavas. Erslavas was under the influence of cocaine and methamphetamines when he was confronted by Vancouver Police near Canada Place. He was acting erratically, apparently threatening to hurt someone. When police approached … [Read more...]
BREAKING: 24 hour occupation at Kits Coast Guard base
September 14, 2012 by
About a dozen activists, including the President of the BC Federation of Labour, are staging a 24 hour sit-in at the Ktsilano Coast Guard station. The federal government has ordered closure of Kits base. Political consultant Bill Tieleman has been working with the coast guard union. He says some pleasure boaters, tugboat operators fishermen are … [Read more...]
A confidential report warns lives are at risk if Kits Coast Guard base closes
September 6, 2012 by
A confidential report on the impacts of closing Kits Coast Guard base seems to back up virtually every concern made by those who oppose the move. The report was done by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and aquired by CKNW. Two areas are defined as "high risk" they are response times and possible overuse of the inshore rescue boat … [Read more...]
Vancouver Fire Department meets with Coast Guard ahead of Kits base closing
September 5, 2012 by
The Vancouver Fire Department wants to know what will be expected of them when it comes to fires in the harbour after Kits Coast Guard base closes. Captain Gabe Roder says they met with the Coast Guard Wednesday. Roder says they wanted to get a handle on how many fires Kits base responds to and where they are. "In the past we … [Read more...]
BC Liberals absent from this Saturdays rally to save Kits coast guard base
August 22, 2012 by
There is a big rally set for this Saturday in Vanier Park to protest against the federal government's decision to close Kitsilano Coast Guard base. The rally features NDP leader Adrian Dix, green party leader jane sterk, and mp's from the federal ndp and liberal party's. Absent are anyone from the Conservative party. Union of … [Read more...]
