Victoria luxury yacht marina gets federal approval

Transport Canada has given the green light to a controversial proposal to build aluxury yacht marinain Victoria'sharbour, but the project still needs two other permits to go ahead.

Lachlan MacLean, the general manager of the Victoria International Marina project, says the federal government has approved the navigable waters permit for the 52-slip marina.

"It's a big step, one of several. Obviously the environmental assessment two weeks ago was the first big step. Now this is the next," said MacLean.

The project still requires a seabed lease from the B.C. government and a development permit from the city.

"It's been about a four year process of discussions and formal application with Transport Canada, so it's nice to see it's been determined that the marina can safely operate in the harbour," said MacLean.

The marina is designed to accommodate large luxury yachts up to 40 meters long. But the proposal has encountered strong opposition from local residents, kayakers and others who fear the harbour will become overcrowded.