'Hillbilly Houseboat' in Surrey BC Draws Attention of Transport Canada
Surrey’s unusual 'Hillbilly Houseboat' is a prototype, says owner Emilio Gilpo.
A homemade houseboat on British Columbia’s Nicomekl River has been attracting attention from locals all month, to the point that Transport Canada has taken notice.
The owner, Emilio Gilpo, says the vessel is designed to test his concept for converting a camper trailer into a houseboat.
Gilpo parked the camper trailer in Portage Park in Surrey, BC, early in September. After several days, and much attention, he had a crane lift the trailer onto a floating framework he constructed using steel beams and 36 steel drums strapped together.
Gilpo told Global News, “I have to do what they call a ‘proof of concept,’ so I’m doing this."
“If everything goes well, then it will be improved and see how it will go. You can use it as a recreational vehicle, or a houseboat…something like that,” Gilpo added.
Gilpo says improvements to the design could have economic applications.
“Once it is improved on, then it can help the economy.”
The Boat Remains on the Nicomekl... for Now
Gilpo says his houseboat is not dangerous and that the drums used in the pontoons are empty. He says the only equipment onboard is a small generator.
He also says he plans to keep the barge in the water for several days while making improvements to the design. He did not provide a timeline for when that work would be completed.
The structure immediately attracted attention from local residents and municipal authorities.
"What are we going to turn that whole area into an RV park?" one resident told Global News.
"I don't know how safe that is either," added another.
There is also a regatta on the Nicomekl River this weekend, and organizers say the vessel could pose a safety hazard.
"We'd have to work around it, but it would certainly be better if it was actually not there," said Helen Healey of the Nicomekl Rowing Club.
Global reported that the City of Surrey warned Gilpo earlier in September that the trailer could not remain parked at Portage Park. The city even issued a parking ticket, which it adhered to the side of the trailer. In response, Gilpo launched his vessel using a crane to put the trailer on the floating framework. The parking ticket is still visible on the trailer. The city said it would work with partner agencies, including Transport Canada, and would not permit derelict or abandoned vessels on the Nicomekl River.
Transport Canada Involved
The move from land to water is a significant development as the vessel is now subject to federal marine regulations and the oversight of Transport Canada, rather than local authorities.
Transport Canada told Global News that it had become aware of the vessel and would be following up with the owner. The department said it “may conduct further inspections or compliance verification activities, as appropriate” to determine whether the vessel complies with applicable marine safety and environmental requirements.
Transport Canada also clarified that a vessel does not necessarily need an engine to fall under its regulations. The houseboat currently does not have propulsion.
The department also told Global News that a vessel must be capable of navigation to be considered a vessel under the Canada Shipping Act, and that vessels such as barges, kayaks, and canoes can fall under its regulations, even if they don't have motors.
Gilpo has been moving the vessel around using a small inflatable raft with an electric motor.
Transport Canada added that while individuals can construct vessels for personal use, those vessels must comply with applicable requirements under the Canada Shipping Act, including relevant safety and environmental requirements. The department said an inspection would be necessary to determine which specific requirements are applicable to Gilpo’s boat.
For now, the 'hillbilly houseboat' remains on the Nicomekl River while Gilpo works on his prototype. There has been no word on if or when Transport Canada may follow up with an inspection.
"As you understand it, you haven't broken any laws?" asked Aaron McArthur from Global News.
"No, I haven't broken any," says Gilpo.
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