News Release

Canadian Hydrographic Services Announces the Closure of the Sidney, BC Retail Sales Counter

Sidney, BC – Effective November 23, 2005, the Canadian Hydrographic Service Chart Sales and Distribution office located in Sidney, BC will no longer offer a retail sales service. CHS charts will continue to be widely available through the network of Authorized Chart Dealers throughout British Columbia.

The Pacific Region is already well serviced by dealers in communities throughout BC. Discontinuing retail sales from the CHS warehouse removes the duplicate services offered by the private sector. CHS is confident that the network of Authorized Chart Dealers will continue to serve the market well.

CHS must look for new and better ways to meet the changing needs of mariners into the 21st century within its existing budget. The cost and time savings now directed to retail sales can be re-directed towards improving dealer support and service, and improving customer interaction and consultation.

Paper charts, bathymetric maps and nautical publications, as well as information on acquiring Notices to Mariners publications, are available from over 800 authorized chart dealers across the country and internationally. Retail sales, including walk-in, phone, fax and e-mail orders, will be directed to the dealer network.

For a complete list of Authorized Chart Dealers please visit our website at: http://www.charts.gc.ca/dealers-depositaires/locator-localisateur-eng.asp