Victoria council is set to take action on permanently moored boats in the Gorge waterway, north of the Selkirk trestle, after ongoing complaints of unsightliness and water contamination.

Staff are recommending the city develop new bylaws that would limit the use of the Gorge waterway to recreational activities and prohibit live-aboard use or long term anchoring of boats.

The plan would also include applying to the province for a 10-year licence of occupation for the Gorge Waterway, after which the city could manage “nominal rent” for boat moorage in the area.

The plan requires $126,000 spread over two years from the city’s contingency fund.

Council will discuss the staff report at its governance and priorities meeting on Thursday.