A Tribute to Peter Stockdill
Sad news: Dr. Peter Stockdill, a major force in fighting for the rights of recreational boaters, passed away suddenly on January 27th, 2026.
Peter was a consummate sailor, environmentalist, researcher, letter-writer, lobbyist, enthusiastic serial meeting attendee, ham radio operator, effective emissary, and source of wisdom and history. Most important, he was simply a very nice man.
Peter and his wife, Deanna, spent many years on their sailboat exploring the coast. During the summer of 2012, while at anchor in Squirrel Cove, Peter was listening to a news broadcast on his shortwave radio. Hearing that recreational boaters might lose access to Squirrel Cove, due to a request for tenure by a commercial marina and moorage operator, he quickly drafted a hand-written petition, jumped in his dinghy and took it around to everyone anchored in the Cove. He followed that up with letters and lobbying, enrolling the assistance of the Council of BC Yacht Clubs (the “Council”). To this day, Squirrel Cove is relatively unencumbered, bringing significant benefits to boaters. The Council, representing 45 recreational boating clubs and some 15,000 members, was quick to welcome Peter as a stalwart member. Peter was sociable and friendly with everyone he dealt with.
When he needed to gather information, Peter had an extensive network of friends and contacts who were happy to help. Although most comfortable in an advisory role, he could speak firmly to support his well-researched and cogent opinions, calling out entire committees where needed.
Offering his research and opinions to both the provincial and the federal governments, he was listened to and respected. He knew the right people to talk to in government and made valuable contacts in the offices of decision-makers.
His official status with the Council was as Director-at-Large. Here, he influenced thinking on Section 7 of the Declaration on Rights of the Indigenous Peoples Act and its effects on Provincial land use regulations. He co-wrote a review of the Islands Trust Draft Policy Statement, pointing out that municipal levels of government lacked the authority on all issues around the regulation of foreshore activities. He worked behind the scenes to uncover inconsistencies in government action and, with his encyclopedic knowledge of, and access to, statutes, bills, regulations, and policies, he demonstrated an ability to critique issues politely and with precision. He should have been a lawyer.
Other examples of Peter’s dedication and the results he achieved in the name of recreational boating are:
– Monitoring government websites almost daily regarding notices requesting provincial tenures and permits, searching for and responding to tenure requests that could impact boaters.
– Working tirelessly to identify safe routes for the “Connected Coast” project, which consisted of laying submarine fibre optic cables up and down the coasts of BC. He attempted to ensure cables were not laid in well-used anchorages, keeping both boats and the cables safe.
– Peter spent days travelling to the Mount Waddington Regional District meetings in Port McNeill to oppose the application for the shipyard/ship breaking business in Port Harvey. He did this to allow boaters access to the adjacent marina while waiting for calm weather to transit south on Johnstone Strait.
– Government listened and reacted when his extensive research proved the negative impact of sunlight/sea water on the longevity of polypropylene rope, used widely in the aquaculture industry. This led directly to a reduction in aquaculture debris.
Further, let’s not overlook the work he did to track US boaters in Canadian waters during COVID when their presence was in direct violation of Provincial health directives and Canadian Border Services Agency regulations!
The BC Marine Parks Forever Society (BCMPFS), established by the Council in 1990, is an all-volunteer registered non-profit established to financially support the creation, expansion and/or enhancement of BC Marine Parks. Peter became a valued member of this group as a Director in 2015, 2016, and 2017, responsible for Parks Research. With his extensive knowledge of coastal waters and connections through his ham radio network, he could quickly assess any potential site and give concise information enabling the Board of BCMPFS to make decisions and recommendations to the Council. Moreover, he provided ongoing advice regarding Boat Haven and Anchorages updates and critiques of the B.C. Coastal Marine Strategy, expressing strong opposition to efforts that would compromise coastal anchorages and marine safety.
Having accomplished so much on its behalf, Peter was appointed an Honorary Member of the Council of BC Yacht Clubs. He was a key contributor to policy statements regarding the Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan, Gambier Island Official Community Plan, Southern Gulf Islands Dock Management Planning, and many more.
At the time of his death, he was serving the Council as:
• Director-at-Large as a member of the Executive
• Council Liaison to the Recreational Boating Advisory Council (RBAC) of Transport Canada
• Council Representative monitoring and commenting on Water Use/Licence applications
• Member of the North Vancouver Island Marine Plan (MaPP) Advisory Committee
Dr. Peter Stockdill is truly irreplaceable and will be sincerely missed.
Council of BC Yacht Clubs
info.cbcyachtclubs@gmail.com
