Here's just a few endorsement letters we've received supporting the HMCS Annapolis project

Also some of the many emails.

I just checked out the Save Halkett Bay’s web site.  I read this quote;

“If they're successful, Halkett Bay will change from a place used by moms and dads and kids who swim, paddle, row, sail, fish, boat, camp and anchor there to a dedicated diving site run by commercial interests.”

Well, I have to tell you, I am a dad, with kids who swim, paddle, row, sail, fish and boat (camp) and anchor, we also love safe controlled environments in order to go diving.  It would seem that the Save Halkett Bay group is thinking that there is only one use for such a destination; for commercial use only.  Not true.

We are not ‘commercial interest’ just boaters AND divers that like to participate in the outdoors.  I think that it is terrific that an artificial reef is being planned for a ‘controlled’ piece of water; some where sheltered and safe for me, and my children to go diving, and then enjoy the marine park without traveling dozens of nautical miles to do it.

They also point out in their map the ‘safety zone’ around the wreck as a restriction that will ‘limit access’ to the bay.  Although it will require boaters to be more cautious entering the bay, it would only be while people are actively diving.  As you know, that is only for short periods of time, and only requires boaters to ‘keep clear’.  Quote from Canadian Power Squadrons “Boaters must take early and substantial action to keep well clear of any craft engaged in diving operations (CR 18 and 27).”  This would also be interpreted as keep as clear as possible, keep speed slow, and full watch for the diving boat and divers.  Hardly limits the access, just asks that boaters be aware and cautious; something every boater should be doing entering a bay anyhow.

I am relieved, and happy, that an artificial reef is being put in protected waters.  This will mean that I can take my wife, children and friends to a safe dive site and enjoy our Marine Parks.

Should we have saved Halkett Bay from all those pesky boats?  From all the anchors dragging on the bottom?  From all the noisy engines and people scarring away the birds and wildlife?  From all the campers trampling down the grasses and damaging the flora?  I would say that these users would say NO, they enjoy the destination.  So too can Divers enjoy and co-operate with the users of this terrific facility.

Ward Conley

Performance Freediving International would like to show its support for the efforts to create a marine habitat within Halkett Bay Provincial Marine Park by sinking the former HMCS Annapolis. The sinking of the Annapolis will provide the bay with an opportunity to recover biologically from decades of slow destruction caused by log boom storage. This project fits within BC Parks and Squamish Nation marine restoration and conservation efforts in British Columbia.

As a long-time environmentally conscious group we are proud to be part of this endeavor to preserve our environment’s in-water ecosystems.

We are directing this letter of support for the ARSBC to Environment Canada, Transport Canada and The Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The ARSBC has gained an outstanding reputation over the past 20 years for demonstrating successful ocean stewardship through their ability to create manmade reefs in an ethical manner without restricting the use of our waterways or quality of life to foreshore stakeholders.

The proposed project will:

• Provide the physical relief necessary for habitat creation and help to restore the health and vitality in a marine zone that is biologically depleted.
• Allow for the ship to be a protected marine zone within a public park.
• Enhance eco-tourism growth to the scuba and freediving industries of BC.

Please accept my letter of recognition towards the value the ARSBC brings to Halkett Bay in helping preserve and protect our natural resources.

Sincerely,
Kirk Krack, Mandy-Rae Cruickshank and the staff of Performance Freediving International

Subject: HMCS Annapolis Artificial Reef

Sir, as a retired RCN LCdr and and a person who was on the commissioning crew of HMCS Sagenay in Dec. of 1956 and HMCS Fraser in June of 1957, it is a most fitting way to end a ships active life by making it an artificial reef.

The ship can continue to provide a useful purpose, great recreational and economic value to the area to which it is deposited. People who dive on these vessels require shore facilities and boating facilities that are and will be of financial benefit to the area. I understand the reef area will be suitably buoyed so not to be a hazard to any navigation. I also understand the vessel will have absolutely no pollution potential.

I find it hard to believe that any knowledgeable person could oppose such an endeavor and hope the HMCS Annapolis project will continue to fruition.

Sincere yours,
Robert Juulsen LCdr (Ret.) CD
President, Vancouver Naval Veterans Band Treasurer,
Vancouver Naval Veterans Association

Hi Rick,

I have already sent out a copy from the web site sometime ago, so some more thoughts from a retired Naval Air person.  Actually I watched Annapolis being constructed in Hal Ships a new DDH virtually from the keel up.  A good friend now passed was part of the commissioning crew.  Although never drafted to Annapolis I was crew as many a pilot practiced DDL’s to Annapolis deck.
It somehow seems fitting that after many years of service to Canada in the RCN and Maritime Command on both coasts that Annapolis can still “serve” a useful role as an artificial reef.  Although many miles from her birthplace so to speak I am fully supportive of the society’s efforts.
This was briefly discussed at my last Canadian Naval Air Group Banshee Chapters last meeting so you have the support and blessing of our 50 members.

I sincerely hopes this helps you bring a successful conclusion to your efforts.

Yours Aye,

W. Paul Peacey CD
President
CNAG Banshee Chapter
Victoria BC