Sep
15
I am dismayed to constantly read complaints about cruise ships and all the problems with visitors to James Bay. After spending a decade visiting, I moved here almost two years ago. Every single day is a treasure in our paradise by the sea. Yes, for half the year there are cruise ships and a lot of extra people in our community. I enjoy providing directions and taking photos when asked. I too travel and know the value of the friendliness of the locals.
I live on Dallas Road, near Ogden Point, and can see the ships as they are docked. Of course it is unfortunate that they run their engines constantly, but there is no onshore power for them to access. For the most part, they do not blow their horns as they are entering or leaving. As far as I can tell, the horn is only used if there is a small vessel in their way. Even when they reverse out of their docking place, I seldom hear the horn.
Some cruise ships are docked here for several hours during the day, but often, they come in for the evening. They all leave by midnight. They are never here overnight, so any engines running during the wee hours are not coming from cruise ships. They have already left.
Ogden Point is a fascinating, vibrant area, with lots of activity. Tugs, Pilot boats, Search and Rescue, Helijet and the Coast Guard, as well as the Breakwater Café and the Dive Shop all occupy the Ogden Point area. It is a working port with numerous important functions. For those of us who live nearby, a certain amount of noise and activity is to be expected. That is part of the charm of living in James Bay.
Louise Froggett