Owner of Surrey's 'Hillbilly Houseboat' says it is a prototype

The owner of an unusual floating home on Surrey's Nicomekl River is describing it as an experimental prototype rather than a finished houseboat. Emilio Gilpo told Global News the vessel is a proofofconcept project near Portage Park. He said he assembled a camper trailer on top of a makeshift barge made from empty round containers and steel beams, and that he is testing whether the design can work. Gilpo said the structure could be used as a recreational vehicle or houseboat, and that later improvements may make it more useful. Surrey officials had previously warned him about the vessel, and the city issued one parking ticket while it was on city land. Now that it is in the water, Transport Canada says it will follow up to make sure it meets safety and environmental standards.