Publications

The recent British Columbia Supreme Court decision in Lennon v. Coal Harbour Marina Ltd., 2026 BCSC 619 (“Lennon”) provides an overview of the legal framework governing marina moorage relationships and highlights the central role that contract language plays in managing those relationships. For marina operators, the case offers guidance on renewal provisions, discretionary decision-making, and enforcement rights.

The dispute arose between a float home owner (the “Licensee”) and a Vancouver marina operator (the “Marina”) in relation to the Marina’s decision to end the moorage relationship. The Licensee had lived aboard her float home at the Marina since January 2016 under annual moorage agreements that included live aboard status. In the summer of 2020, the Licensee was involved in a dispute with a live aboard neighbour at the Marina. In December of 2021, the Licensee filed a personal injury action (the “Personal Injury Action”) against the Marina and other parties relating to a slip and fall incident on the docks of the Marina in January of 2020. The Personal Injury Action was settled in September 2023.