It appears that someone took a very strong dislike to the project, as during a two week period in August 1998,  four complete mooring systems were stolen from the wrecks of the Brunswick (1), Carlingford (2), and Stonewreck (1). Taken were the complete systems, including ground tackle, chains, lines and buoys (total value over $1200.00). The wrecks were remarked with just line and bleach bottles, but as of Sept 5/98 all listed wrecks again had markers of some type. It was decided, that the only way to proceed was to install legally approved buoys under the Canadian Shipping Act.

Bradd Wilson, Manager of Port Colborne's Sugarloaf Harbour Marina, spearheading a project for the development of diving and tourism in the area, hosted a meeting at City Hall Council Chambers in Port Colborne on April 8, 1999. The meeting was attended by Peter Engelbert  (Marine Archaeologist for the Province of Ontario), Charter Operators, Conservation, Niagara Region and OPP officers, City officials, local divers, and representatives of local dive clubs including the Niagara Divers’ Association.

The Canadian Shipping Act does allow Private Aids to Navigation and the provincial and Federal requirements were discussed at the April 8th meeting.

Subsequently, work permits were applied for and received from the provincial Ministry of  Natural Resources Conservation Authority and nine 3000 pound concrete blocks were placed on six local shipwrecks (Benson 2, Brunswick 2, Carlingford 2, Acme 1, Washington Irving 1, and Stonewreck 1)  by the Canadian Coast Guard. Osprey Dive Charters assisted in the placement of a block on the Betty Hedger {article: The Saga of the Block} in August 2001. Lake Erie Marine Services assisted with placing a block on the George Finnie {article:George Finnie (Lake Erie's Newest) Moored} June 15/02 and Pearl Dive Charters assisted with the placing and moving of blocks on Lake Ontario's Port Dalhousie Schooner wreck {article:Port Dalhousie Shipwreck Moored}July 6& 8th/02. Lake Erie Marine Services again provided assistance with installing a complete system on the Niagara August 24/02 and relocating the stern mooring on the CB Benson and installing a new complete system with buoy on August 25/02.

At present, the Benson & Carlingford have two mooring blocks in use while the Acme, Betty Hedger, Stonewreck, George Finnie and Dalhousie wreck each have one. The above listed moorings each have 3/4" poly line (10,500 pound breaking strength) running to the surface and marked with a jug. There are 20 litre containers supporting the chain off the blocks and 3/8" poly line running from the chain through a pulley attached to the wreck. A small jug keeps tension on the line no matter which way the current is moving.

The only block on the Washington Irving and both blocks on the Brunswick cannot be used until they are repositioned.