We are continuing to work on securing a meeting with Minister Cullen. With the recent pausing of the Land Act Amendments, it is imperative we are not left behind. This pause is likely only temporary, and should the current government receive a renewed mandate in October, we are confident that this issue will be revisited and pursued.
Now is the time to broaden our voice and expand our membership. Please forward this message on to those you know who share our concerns. Likewise, if you represent an organization or have your own membership base, please reach out to us so we can better coordinate our efforts with you.
As we await the government’s release of their “What We Have Heard” report on the Dock Management Plan, set to be released here on March 8, 2024, we are focusing our efforts on finalizing research that has been undertaken by the Waterfront Protection Coalition.
We have assembled an initial Financial Impact Assessment for the DMP. This report has been published on our website here. Given that the shíshálh swiya area has an estimated 1,305 docks and 331 boathouses, the total financial impact for residential dock owners if the proposed Dock Management Plan is implemented will be over half a billion dollars.
This figure does not include any consideration for commercial dock facilities, or for contingent future losses to local SCRD businesses in the affected area and beyond. The reduction of commercial dock space will also negatively impact tourism as many boating visitors will not be able to be accommodated.
Next, we are finalizing a similar paper on the Environmental Impacts of the DMP, which will be made available soon.