Drone and on-water surveillance will be increased around the Boucherville Islands, where the presence of boaters has been the cause of numerous accidents and nuisances for several years. The City of Boucherville launched the On the Water, Respect campaign on Friday, which aims to reduce risky behavior.
“As soon as they are on the water, people have the impression that there are no more laws, when that is not true,” emphasizes Julie Charron, head of communications and public relations for the City of Boucherville.
Too many nautical accidents occur near the shores of Boucherville, says Mme Charron. Last May, a 37-year-old woman lost her life following a personal watercraft accident. “It’s around one or two deaths per season, which is still huge for a small sector,” she laments.
Lack of knowledge of navigation rules, lack of courtesy and drug use are factors that play a role in these accidents, explains Mr.me Wheelwright.
Noise nuisance problems have also been reported by residents of the shores and visitors to the Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville. “People will anchor at the channel right next to the SEPAQ to party. Sometimes they tie up together. We have already seen up to 10 boats tied up together, which causes noise problems,” confides M.me Wheelwright.
According to the nautical patrol reports communicated to Dutythe Longueuil Agglomeration Police Service (SPAL) recorded 127 warnings and 28 tickets in 2021; 269 warnings and 44 tickets in 2022; 431 warnings and 58 tickets in 2023.
“On the water, respect”
In 2021, assistance of approximately $400,000 from Transport Canada over three years was provided to the City of Boucherville to enhance these boating safety awareness actions. This grant allowed the South Shore municipality to identify river users, the type of boat or problematic behaviours. “Before any regulatory change, we must demonstrate to Transport Canada that we have taken note of everything to see and inform the government of the disruptions,” explains Mme Wheelwright.
The same year, a survey conducted by the Léger firm among river users confirmed the poor behavior of boaters. Speeding, failure to wear a life jacket and conflicts between boaters under the influence of alcohol are at the top of the list of bad behaviors around the Boucherville Islands.
Last year, the municipality hired a drone surveillance firm capable of assessing the number and type of boats on the water. This process made it possible to compile quantitative data, the analysis of which will be communicated to Transport Canada. This envelope from Ottawa, extended for the summer of 2024, also made it possible to post signs on the banks and install 24 buoys on the river to call on boaters to limit their speed.
This year, the municipality is again using drone surveillance, but this time to monitor and support the police in their interventions. “It’s really interesting because before, as soon as people saw the police boat arrive, all the bad behavior stopped and no police intervention was possible. This year, the drone monitors the surroundings and communicates directly with the Police Department, which allows it to observe the situation and even collect evidence,” says M.me Wheelwright.
“We don’t want to put people off. The river near the city of Boucherville is truly a magnificent place. We want people to continue to come and enjoy the SEPAQ environment, but in a way that is enjoyable for everyone and, above all, safe,” she concludes.