Float Homes at Fisherman's Wharf - Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that is not answered below, or you would like more information, please contact the Manager of Property Services, Kate Read at (250) 383-8300 ext 227

What is a float home?
According to the Province of BC , Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, a floating home is defined as a structure built on a floatation system, which is used as a residence and is not intended for navigation or use as a navigable craft. 

Can I bring my float home/or a new float home into the facility?
Since taking ownership of the Fisherman’s Wharf property in 2002, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) has 33 berths allocated for the moorage of float homes on Fingers #1, #2 and #3. There are currently no vacancies for float homes at this facility. 

Can I rent my float home?
All float homes are owner occupied and no rentals are allowed. 

How long is the Moorage Contract?
Float home owners are not issued a Lease, nor provided any tenure.  Approved persons are issued a one year Licence of Use (April 1, 2008 – March 31, 2009) for the moorage of an approved float home. 

All float homes at the facility are required to meet the “Standards for Float Homes and Liveaboard Vessels in the Victoria Harbour ” (the “Standards”) issued by Transport Canada in 2001, and maintain the appropriate insurance coverage.   

How much does it cost to moor a float home at Fisherman’s Wharf?

Float home owners pay GST on hydro charges only.

What amenities are included?
All float homes have access to 30 amp power and potable water and are required to connect to the provided sewage hookups. No black water discharge is permitted at any GVHA facility.

Do float homes have to pay Property Taxes?
All float home owners are required to pay property taxes on their structure. 

I am interested in buying a float home currently moored at Fisherman’s Wharf.
The GVHA has decided that, for this licence year (08/09), the practice of expediting applications for purchasers of float homes currently at the facility will be continued. This decision and or licence does not extend any rights beyond the current licence year.

Interested purchasers should be aware that the purchase of a float home does NOT include any ownership of or rights to the water lot and that float homes at the facility can be moved to different berth locations at the discretion of the GVHA.  The GVHA provides no tenure to float home owners.

I want to buy an existing float home and alter it, add to it, or replace it with another structure.
The GVHA has very strict regulations regarding float home alterations.  Any desired change to the exterior shape, size or appearance of a float home must be approved in writing by the GVHA. 

In addition, float homes are considered a non-conforming use as per the Local Government Act section 911.  Any changes to the exterior of the structure will, in addition to GVHA written approval, require Board of Variance approval from the City of Victoria and/or a development permit.

Can I run a business from my float home?
The GVHA has allocated the first berth at the head of each of fingers 1, 2 and 3 as live/work berths.  Float home owners wishing to run a business from their float home may submit a business proposal to the GVHA for consideration.  If approved, owners must then obtain and submit all required municipal, provincial and federal permits and approvals.  Additional charges apply to the commercial section of the float home.

Forms: Please see below to download or view sample copies of the Licence of Use Agreement, the application form, policy letters issued to current licence holders, and the BC and Victoria Harbour Standards for float homes.

Application for a Licence of Use
Sample Licence of Use (2008/2009)
Standards (BC)
Standards (Fed)
GVHA Policy letters June 2006, February 2007, and March 2008

If you have additional questions regarding a float home licence at Fisherman's Wharf please contact:

Kate Read, Manager Property Services

(250) 383.8300 ext 227  
kread@victoriaharbour.org