The Federal government has unveiled a $6.85 million Abandoned Boats Program.
It will provide grants over 5 years to communities where abandoned vessels have become a problem.
The program will cover 100% of the cost of looking into what it will take to remove the vessel and then 75% of the actual boat removal and disposal costs.
Provinces, local governments, indigenous communities, private ports or marinas, port authorities, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations can qualify for the grants.
The program includes $1.25 million for education, awareness and research projects.
Vessels that have been abandoned in commercial fishing harbours owned by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans won’t qualify for the funding.
