VANCOUVER - The federal government shut down Vancouver's Kitsilano Coast Guard station permanently - and unexpectedly - on Tuesday following months of public outcry over plans to close the base at Canada's busiest port.

The feds announced the closure last May, but had not set a definite date on when operations would cease.

Vancouver Coun. Kerry Jang said the feds did not inform anyone at Vancouver City Hall the base would close Tuesday, adding staff were last told the base wouldn't shut down until the spring.

"It all came as quite a shock to us at the city," he said. "I hope it doesn't take a death to get them to see the error of their ways."

Coast Guard members from Richmond's Sea Island base and volunteers from the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue are now responsible for maritime distress calls from Vancouver.