The Ladysmith Maritime Society (LMS) is currently facing a challenging situation where it’s rights to operate the Ladysmith Community Marina until 2029 are being disputed by various entities, including the Province of BC, the Town of Ladysmith, DL2016 Holding Corporation and the Coast Salish Development Corporation.
The Province prematurely cancelled the Head Lease for the water lot on which LMS has operated the Ladysmith Community Marina since 1999, claiming the entire Marina infrastructure as it’s own. Subsequently, a new Head Lease was issued to an entitly controlled by Coast Salish Development Corporation, resulting in what is essentially an expropriation of LMS’ marina assets valued at approximately $6 million. This has also led to a loss of the Society’s primary funding stream of about $1 million per annum from marina operations.
As a consequence, LMS is compelled to seek new moorage (at cost) for it’s unique floating museum, several boathouses and a fleet of award winning heritage boats. Despite the impact of these actions by the Province and the Town, LMS has not received any compensation.
Attempts to find a negotiated solution have, so far, been unsuccessful, but efforts are ongoing, and we hope to find some kind of mutually acceptable solution to meet everyone’s interests. However, in the interim, we are left with legal avenues as the only recourse to uphold LMS’ rights. In an attempt to halt the lease transfer and maintain the status quo, LMS applied for an interlocutory injunction with the BC Supreme Court, but unfortunately, the court ruled against it based on the “balance of convenience.”
We are reaching out to you to support the Ladysmith Maritime Society in it’s legal pursuit of compensation for the loss of marina assets and income. The Society has incurred significant legal costs and your donations will contribute to the ongoing fight for LMS’ rights. Thank you.