MOORING SPACE ALLOCATION POLICY

1. Policy Objective

This policy aims to establish fair and transparent guidelines for the allocation of mooring spaces in the port, in compliance with laws and the fundamental rights of users. Specific objectives include:

• Maximize access to mooring spaces while preserving the safety and capacity of the port.
• Protect the rights of fishermen and other port users in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
• Establish fair and universal allocation criteria that do not discriminate against any individual or specific group.

2. Definitions

The following terms are defined to clarify their use in this policy:

Port Authority : non-profit organizations established as corporations. Their board of directors and members represent the interests of their communities. Each port authority is a unique and independent legal entity. Port authorities are responsible for the management, operation, and maintenance of at least one public fishing port. Their responsibilities are established under a lease agreement with the Small Craft Harbours program.

Active Fisherman : individual or business engaged in regular commercial or recreational fishing activities, demonstrating a level of activity in compliance with port authority requirements.

Mooring Space

: designated location in a port used for mooring vessels when they are not at sea. Guaranteed space: a mooring space reserved for a user according to established criteria, guaranteeing priority and regular access to port infrastructure.

Recreational User

: individual or business using the port for recreational purposes other than commercial fishing, such as pleasure boating or maritime tourism.

Vessel

: any maritime vehicle authorized to dock at the port, including fishing boats, recreational vessels, service vessels, etc.

3. Allocation Criteria

Guaranteed spaces are allocated by the port authority based on the following criteria:

• Priority given to active fishermen: recognition of the economic and cultural importance of commercial fishing in the port region, with priority given to users engaged in this activity.
• Port usage history: evaluation of the frequency and regularity of port visits, including the number of landings and duration of stays.
• Compliance with safety and environmental protection rules: respect of maritime safety regulations, waste management, and pollution prevention.
• Compliance with financial obligations: timely payment of mooring fees and other port charges, absence of debt or financial disputes with the port authority.
• Vessel characteristics and dimensions: Vessels must not exceed a maximum width of 7.32 meters (24 feet). Beyond this size, a vessel is considered to occupy two (2) spaces and is therefore subject to lower priority when allocating spaces. Furthermore, the port authority reserves the right to deny access, for safety reasons, to a vessel whose draft exceeds the limit set according to bathymetric surveys.
• Port capacity (according to POC estimate)
• Order of registration on the waiting list.

Waiting List

Given the large number of requests, a waiting list is established for users wishing to obtain a guaranteed space. Registration on the waiting list is done directly with the port authority in person, by telephone, or by email. Registration is valid for one year and must be renewed, preferably during the first quarter of the following year. Registration criteria for this list include:

• Be a member in good standing of the port authority.
• Compliance with financial obligations: timely payment of mooring fees and other port charges, absence of debt or financial disputes with the port authority.
• Compliance with safety and environmental protection rules: respect of maritime safety regulations, waste management, and pollution prevention.

As mooring agreements are signed for annual occupation, temporary visitors are automatically last in the allocation order.