Hello to all our friends and supporters. Since we launched our Crowdfunding Campaign on the 25th October for the legal campaign to save our community marina, we are delighted and grateful for the support we have received. To-date, the funds raised online and otherwise, total around $21,445. This is amazing generosity, and we thank each and every one of you.

Members of the Ladysmith Maritime Society make important contributions to the Ladysmith community, so we hope you will consider donating to secure the future of these important projects. Projects have included running the Maritime Museum, maintaining historic vessels, the Purple Martins project, and hosting community events and festivals.

Most importantly, the funds are already being used. On 28th November LMS initiated legal proceedings, as per the following press release:

Ladysmith Maritime Society Initiates Legal Action Over Water Lot Lease Dispute

On November 28th, after much deliberation, the Ladysmith Maritime Society (“LMS”) has taken legal action by filing an injunction with the Supreme Court of British Columbia concerning the longstanding but unsuccessful engagement attempts with key stakeholders involved in the future of the Ladysmith harbour.

Over the past year, LMS has tirelessly sought meaningful discussions with the Town, The Ladysmith Harbour Economic Development Corporation (formerly DL 2016 Holdings Corporation), the Province, and the Stz’uminus First Nation.

LMS efforts to engage in good faith have unfortunately been ignored or otherwise rebuffed. LMS also has had to battle a fundamentally inaccurate narrative that LMS is uncooperative and unwilling to compromise the rights that it presently enjoys under its existing agreements. The rights granted to LMS until November 30, 2029, have not been acknowledged or respected. This conduct has placed LMS in a precarious position, endangering its very existence as a society.

In response to this untenable situation, LMS has commenced legal proceedings against the relevant parties in connection to the proposed abandonment of the Lease and the alleged wrongful termination of the License Agreement.

Regrettably, LMS finds itself compelled to take this course of action, given the lack of cooperation from other stakeholders. LMS reaffirms support of the SFN, the Province’s reconciliation efforts, and of a shared vision for Ladysmith’s waterfront in the spirit of mutual respect and benefit.

LMS extends its sincerest gratitude for the overwhelming community backing it has received during this passage from those who have shown support through their emails, letters, signatures on the petition, social media support and donations.

LMS will continue to update the public and stakeholders on the progress of these legal proceedings as they unfold.

If you have not yet donated and would like to, please click on the link below.

We know that not everyone is able to contribute funds at this time. Please know there are many ways you can support our efforts:

  • Follow us on Facebook and share our posts
  • Share the link to our Crowdfunding Campaign to all your friends and family
  • Attend our Open Table Meetings (Tuesdays 4-5pm, at the Marina) to keep informed
  • Send a pre-addressed postcard to Premier Eby, asking him to intervene (postcards available at the Marina, and we’ll pay the postage!)
  • Write a letter to the media
  • Correct misinformation and rumours when you hear them
  • Become a volunteer for LMS

Again, we thank you for your efforts, and with your support we look forward to the future with optimism. You can donate to our Legal Fund HERE.

Submitted by Ladysmith Maritime Society