Here you will find media and political coverage relevant to the DMP. Please note that the opinions expressed on this page may differ from those of the WPC, but our goal is to ensure the general public is aware of all news and events, as they unfold.

Media Coverage:

New self-registration system for Sunshine Coast dock, boathouse owners goes live
A new self-registration system is now available for private dock and boathouse owners in the marine area of the shíshálh swiya, offering a simple way to secure temporary authorization for existing structures.

September 18, 2024 - BC Gov News

WPC calls to remove Dock Management Plan opposition signage
As existing tidewater docks and boathouses within the shíshálh swiya are allowed to stay under conditions detailed in updates to the dock management plan, the Waterfront Protection Coalition is calling for the removal of the signs opposing the process.

August 22, 2024 - Coast Reporter

shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan revised: Timeline extended
The shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan is to be introduced in stages and have an inventory of all existing structures. The inclusion of fresh water infrastructure has been paused.

August 7, 2024 - Coast Reporter

Delta doesn’t get the answer it hoped on water lot leases
Businesses and float home owners continue to be left with uncertainty

August 1, 2024 - Delta Optimist

Ministers backtrack on reconciliation initiative as B.C. election approaches | The Narwhal
As the provincial election looms, First Nations leaders are frustrated with stalled progress on some government commitments to conservation and Indigenous Rights

July 29, 2024 - The Narwhal

BC still trying to help businesses ousted by Aboriginal title, says minister - Northern Beat
Businesses displaced by Aboriginal title were refused compensation, but BC’s Indigenous Affairs minister says province is still working on it.

July 5, 2024 - CKNW

July 2, 2024 - CKNW

Concerns over future of Ladysmith marina draw BC Conservative leader | Globalnews.ca
The facility’s water lot lease was recently transferred to the Stz’uminus First Nation, but John Rustad says the province failed to adequately consult locals.

July 2, 2024 - Global News

June, 2024 - Harbour Spiel:

https://www.harbourspiel.com/files/harbour-spiel-june-2024-issue.pdf
Page 5 - PHARA challenges ‘Constitutional validity’ of DRIPA

HArbour Spie
B.C.‘s embrace of United Nations declaration is ‘holding back’ First Nations
Douglas Todd: The B.C. government obstructed the economic progress of First Nations when it adopted UNDRIP, say First Nations and others.

June 20, 2024 - Vancouver Sun

Caroline Elliott: B.C.’s land reforms treat non-Indigenous people like uninvited guests
The province has divided its people into two ancestry-defined camps with unequal claims to the place they all call home

May 26, 2024 - National Post

DRIPA may face first legal test over boat docks
Pender Harbour residents association plans to sue over co-management agreement

May 14, 2024 - BIV

Pender Harbour and Area Residents Association to Challenge Constitutional Validity of B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA)
Pender Harbour, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2024) - After extensive deliberations and exclusion from government

May 13, 2024 - Northern News

Provincial ministers visit Sunshine Coast to tour dock plan-affected areas
Ministers join shíshálh Nation, local elected officials and advisory group members to tour of swiya-wide dock management plan areas.

April 30, 2024 - Coast Reporter

More Questions Than Answers with Signing of Agreement to Recognize Aboriginal Title on Private Land
On April 14, 2024, barely two weeks following its public release,1 the province of British Columbia (Province) announced an agreement (Agreement) had been

April 18, 2024 - Cassels

Budget Estimates: Engaging Minister Cullen on docks in the Southern Gulf Islands
Discussing dock management policies in the Southern Gulf Islands with Hon. Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land, and Resources Stewardship.

April 9, 2024 - Adam Olsen & Nathan Cullen Discussion on Docks

April 4, 2024 - Legislature Committee Discussions on the DMP:
 

Estimates: Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

Committee of Supply Transcript - DMP Discussions & Grandfathering
Committee of Supply Recording - Video of DMP Discussions & Grandfathering

news
What’s happening with the Dock Management Plan Advisory Committee?
The province is looking to fill 12 spots on a Dock Management Plan Advisory Group (DMPAG).

April 4, 2024 - Coast Reporter

April, 2024 - Harbour Spiel:

https://www.harbourspiel.com/files/harbour-spiel-april-2024-issue.pdf
Page 6,7 - Province and shishalh propose 'significant changes' to DMP

HArbour Spie
Waterfront owners in Port moody refusing to sign port authority’s ‘egregious’ dock-licensing terms – Tri-Cities Dispatch
Waterfront property owners in Port Moody say their docks are under threat, not from rot or a storm, but an new licensing agreement.

March 28, 2024 - Tri-Cities Dispatch

Local groups not satisfied DMP announcement detail
Waterfront Protection Coalition asked to participate on the new advisory committee on the swiya-wide Dock Management Plan amendments.

March 21, 2024 - Coast Reporter

Volunteer group to clean up underwater debris from Pender Harbour : My Coast Now
A volunteer group of divers and Pender Harbour residents are taking a plunge to improve the waters around Pender Harbour. The Pender Harbour and Area Residents Association in conjunction with […]

March 19, 2024 - My Coast Now

Dock Management Plan/Land Act/Section7 – Pender Harbour and Area Residents Association

March 17, 2024 - PHARA

Committee to suggest changes to shíshálh swiya dock management plan
The province and shíshálh Nation are walking back some changes proposed in November as part of the shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan (DMP) and pausing others as they strike an advisory committee to plot a course forward for the embattled piece of regulation.

March 15, 2024 - Coast Reporter

B.C. makes changes to Sunshine Coast dock management plan, but opponents unconvinced - BC | Globalnews.ca
The province released a draft of the plan in November, leading to intense debate in the community -- particularly among residents with waterfront property.

March 15, 2024 - Global News

shíshálh swiya dock management plan updated following public engagement
Together, the Province of B.C. and shíshálh Nation are proposing significant changes to the dock management plan to address community interests and protect shíshálh’s rights and title, and are forming an advisory group with representation from the across the Sunshine Coast to review the new proposed changes.

March 14, 2024 - BC Gov News

New land use controversy could be percolating for BC Cabinet Minister Cullen
The BC government’s plans towards proposed changes to the provincial dock management program seemingly are raising a few red flags from thos…

March 12, 2024 - North Coast Review

The Latest Risk to the BC Natural Resource Sector: Government Uses Little Known Law to Freeze Mining Rights Unless First Nations Consent
BC’s government has issued unprecedented orders, to prohibit mining activity in certain areas, unless First Nations consent.

March 11, 2024 - McMillan LLP

Amendments promised as shíshálh swiya dock management plan report released
‘We heard you that it needs to be revised to better balance other values and interests while maintaining environmental preservation’ says joint statement from Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, and shíshálh Nation lhe hiwus Lenora Joe.

March 8, 2024 - Coast Reporter

Joint statement on shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan public engagement
Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, and lhe hiwus (Chief) Lenora Joe, shíshálh Nation (shíshálh), have released the following joint statement:

March 8, 2024 - BC Gov News

Comment: Province broke trust of non-profit Ladysmith Maritime Society
This government has shown clearly it is happy using assets it can “claw back” via a legal technicality, in this case arbitrarily and unilaterally cancelling a lease.

March 6, 2024 - Times Colonist

Province updates SCRD, mayors on proposed swiya dock management plan changes
‘The ministers were attentive to the questions and concerns we brought forward’ was SCRD chair Leonard Lee’s summation of a Feb. 23 meeting with provincial representatives on matters including the application for changes to the swiya dock management plan.

March 5, 2024 - Coast Reporter

March 1, 2024 - A DMP petition was presented to Kevin Falcon with over 1,100 signatures from concerned British Columbians.

https://www.facebook.com/kevinfalconbc/videos/931575788372442/
https://twitter.com/LDoerkson/status/1763363377148256458

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Letters: The Land Act changes aren’t proceeding, so why is the DMP?
‘Minister Cullen needs to understand that feelings of inadequate consultation apply to the DMP as well as the Land Act.’

March 1, 2024 - Coast Reporter

March, 2024 - Harbour Spiel:

https://www.harbourspiel.com/files/harbour-spiel-march-2024-issue.pdf
Page 6 - Close to 600 attend Waterfront Protection Coalition meeting Feb. 13
Page 10 - The dock management plan and the SCRD 2024 budget - Leonard Lee

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BC United says NDP made right choice to scrap amendments to Land Act - Okanagan | Globalnews.ca
The NDP said the point of amending the Land Act was to bring it into conformity with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).

February 29, 2024 - Global News

B.C. halts proposed Land Act amendments - Wood Business
In a decisive move, B.C. Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Nathan Cullen has announced the suspension of proposed amendments to the Land

February 26, 2024 - Canadian Forest Industries

B.C. not moving forward with Land Act amendments | Watch News Videos Online
Watch B.C. not moving forward with Land Act amendments Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca

February 22, 2024 - Global News (Video)

Local groups seek further dock management plan consultation
The province’s application website indicated the public comment period on shíshálh Nation’s application for a swiya-wide dock management plan (DMP) closed as of Feb. 17.

February 21, 2024 - Coast Reporter

February 21, 2024 - Minister heard loud and clear from public on Land Act legislation...

Minister heard loud and clear from public on Land Act legislation, now it’s time to resolve concerns on Dock Management Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Minister of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship, Nathan Cullen has heard loud and clear from the public and stakeholder groups about the government’s failure to properly engage British Columbians on proposed changes to the Land Act.

Now, the Waterfront Protection Coalition (WPC) is calling on the Minister, and the David Eby government, to take immediate action to resolve serious concerns regarding the Dock Management Plan (DMP) impacting citizens and marine users in coastal B.C. 

The issue is the same – how will the Province of B.C. make decisions regarding Crown land and tenures in the future? The Dock Management Plan is considered by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes) as a high-profile example of the impacts of shared decision-making where stakeholders are left in the dark.

Thousands of tenure holders on the Sunshine Coast and throughout coastal B.C. are impacted by the Dock Management Plan, directly or by the precedent it will set. Private moorage holders constitute a significant segment of Crown Land lease holders, accounting for around 10% of all provincial Crown Land tenures.

The proposed DMP is unfair and punitive to people from all walks of life, with many facing the removal of their dock and/or expensive upgrades. Coastal residents are frustrated and angry by the absence of meaningful engagement, a lack of scientific studies, and a refusal by the Province to consider grandfathering tenures. A recent comment period closed despite calls for an extension from local government and coastal residents. 

Last week, over 600 people attended a virtual forum hosted by the WPC to provide an update to its members on its attempts to meaningfully engage with the government. The WPC formally requested a meeting with Minister Cullen via a letter sent on February 2, 2024, sharing the concerns of coastal residents and people around BC over the impacts of the DMP. It has yet to receive a response from the Minister. 

The DMP process is broken and we want to engage with government to help resolve concerns, and move forward positively. We urge the government to engage with us, and other impacted parties, to demonstrate to the rest of the province how a shared decision-making process can work, because it’s definitely not working here. 

Background: 

The Waterfront Protection Coalition (WPC) is a collective effort that represents thousands of residents and businesses potentially affected by the proposed Dock Management Plan by the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship of British Columbia. We acknowledge and respect the shishálh Nation, and other First Nations’, concerns for the protection of BC’s coastline and waterways, and we respect the interests of all communities and stakeholders in the shared use of our marine environment. Our goal is to work alongside the Nation, the Province, and key stakeholder groups to find a path forward in the short term, and reach long-term solutions to meet the needs of future generations. 

For more details about Waterfront Protection Coalition visit: waterfrontprotection.org

Media Contact: 

info@waterfrontprotection.org

B.C. government scrapping proposed Land Act amendments | Globalnews.ca
B.C. was in the midst of public consultations over changes to the act, which would have allowed it to craft shared decision-making agreements with First Nations over land use.

February 21, 2024 - Global News

Vaughn Palmer: B.C. NDP backs away from Land Act, blames opposition and critics
Vaughn Palmer: “I take full responsibility for how that was handled,” acknowledged the minister of water, land and resource stewardship.

February 21, 2024 - Vancouver Sun

B.C. scrapping Land Act amendments plagued by ‘misinformation,’ minister says
The B.C. government has backtracked on proposed Land Act amendments intended to facilitate joint decision-making agreements with First Nations, including on major resources projects.

February 21, 2024 - CTV News

BC government cancels plan to give First Nations more influence over Crown lands | Urbanized
The BC provincial government has cancelled the proposed Land Act changes that would give First Nations more influence over Crown land uses.

February 21, 2024 - Daily Hive

Minister’s statement on proposed Land Act amendments
Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, has issued the following statement about proposed amendments to the Land Act:

February 21, 2024 - BC Government News

Yes, B.C.’s Land Act changes give First Nations veto over use of Crown Land: op-ed
The government’s documentation describes “shared decision-making through joint or consent models.”

February 21, 2024 - Fraser Institute

February 19, 2024 - Waterfront Protection Coalition calls for meeting with Minister Cullen...

Waterfront Protection Coalition calls for meeting with Minister Cullen on dock issue and extension to public comment period

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

(PENDER HARBOUR, BC) – The Waterfront Protection Coalition (WPC) is urging the Minister of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship, Nathan Cullen, to extend the comment period and meaningfully engage with affected stakeholders on the proposed Dock Management Plan (DMP). Despite the Minister’s public statements about wanting to engage with stakeholders, coastal residents, boaters, and dock users remain in the dark.

Last week, over 600 people attended a virtual forum hosted by the WPC to provide an update to its members on efforts to meaningfully engage with the government on the DMP. The WPC formally requested a meeting with Minister Cullen via a letter sent on February 2, 2024, sharing the concerns of coastal residents and people around BC over the impacts of the DMP. 

“Our message to Minister Cullen is that the DMP process is broken and that we want to engage to help resolve concerns and move forward positively with the shíshálh Nation.” 

“However, the proposed Dock Management Plan is unfair and punitive to people from all walks of life, with many facing the removal of their dock and/or expensive upgrades. Local residents are frustrated and angry by the absence of meaningful engagement between the Province and impacted parties,” said Bruce McLeod, Vice President, Waterfront Protection Coalition. 

“With over 600 people attending a virtual forum, on short notice, that demonstrates the high level of concern on the coast. Private moorage holders constitute a significant segment of Crown Land lease holders, accounting for around 10% of all provincial Crown Land tenures. This issue is going to get hotter unless the Province wakes up.” 

The DMP issue on the Sunshine Coast comes at the same time the Province is proposing amendments to the Land Act. 

“As the government considers Land Act legislation, the Dock Management Plan is considered by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes) as a high-profile example of the impacts of shared decision-making where stakeholders are left in the dark. We urge the government to engage with us and other impacted parties, and demonstrate to the rest of the province how a shared decision-making process can work, because it’s definitely not working here,” concluded McLeod. 

Background: 

The Waterfront Protection Coalition (WPC) is a collective effort that represents thousands of residents and businesses potentially affected by the proposed Dock Management Plan by the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship of British Columbia. We acknowledge and respect the shishálh Nation, and other First Nations’, concerns for the protection of BC’s coastline and waterways, and we respect the interests of all communities and stakeholders in the shared use of our marine environment. Our goal is to work alongside the Nation, the Province, and key stakeholder groups to find a path forward in the short term, and reach long-term solutions to meet the needs of future generations. 

For more details about Waterfront Protection Coalition visit: waterfrontprotection.org

Media Contact: 

info@waterfrontprotection.org

Implementing UNDRIP: B.C.’s Land Act Reform Sparks Public Debate | Blakes
The British Columbia government is currently soliciting public input on proposed reforms to the Land Act, aimed at enabling shared decision-making in line with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. With public land constituting 95% of the province, the consultation has sparked significant attention and debate. This article highlights examples of shared decision-making mechanisms with Indigenous governments and underscores key issues.

February 16, 2024 - Blake's (Roy Millen)

B.C. resets talks on plan to give First Nations more say over public land
The province plans to amend the Land Act in the spring to allow joint decision-making with Indigenous communities, in accordance with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

February 15, 2024 - The Globe and Mail

Vaughn Palmer: NDP face major selling job on their changes to the Land Act
Opinion poll finds little support (18 per cent) for First Nations having an outright veto over land use decisions.

February 14, 2024 - Vancouver Sun

B.C. Land Act: Voters divided over increased decision-making authority for Indigenous governments - Angus Reid Institute
Most say more time needed to study the matter, would support a provincial referendum February 13, 2024 – A significant change to the British Columbia Land Act has been put

February 13, 2024 - Angus Reid Institute

OPINION: NDP Land Act changes must be stopped, BC United says
‘BC United cannot and will not support veto power over Public Land’

February 13, 2024 - Salmon Arm Observer

Shuswap MLA to host town-hall meeting on proposed Land Act amendments
Province says changes would not give First Nations veto power over land-use decisions

February 13, 2024 - Salmon Arm Observer

Vaughn Palmer: B.C. NDP consulted a select list on Land Act changes
Opinion: The province provoked suspicions and risked a backlash when it did not announce its intentions by news release or any other public process

February 8, 2024 - Vancouver Sun

Opinion: Plan to co-manage public land with First Nations will close B.C. for business
Changes to B.C.’s Land Act will be a death knell for investment. Read more.

February 8, 2024 - Financial Post

Proposed legislative changes will give Indigenous nations new legal power on land use - Northern Beat
The BC government quietly posted a public consultation on legislative changes to give Indigenous nations new legal powers over land use.

February 2, 2024 - Northern Beat/Rob Shaw

Why Land Act changes are causing angst in B.C.
Land Act is just one of the statutes to be amended to conform to DRIPA

February 2, 2024 - Business in Vancouver

February, 2024 - Harbour Spiel:
https://www.harbourspiel.com/files/harbour-spiel-february-2024-issue.pdf
Pages 3, 7 - Docks: An election issue? (Brian Lee)
Pages 10-13 - Letters to the editor
Page 14, 15 - What is effective consultation: shishalh Swiya DMP (Leonard Lee)

Vaughn Palmer: John Rustad’s big flip-flop on UNDRIP in B.C.
Opinion: The B.C. Conservative leader now wants to kill the B.C.law, citing ‘botched’ NDP consultations on a new land management system

February 2, 2024 - Vancouver Sun

Dispute brewing over changes to private dock management on Sunshine Coast - BC | Globalnews.ca
A new dock management plan for areas in the shíshálh Nation’s traditionally territory is facing backlash from some Sunshine Coast residents.

February 2, 2024 - Global News

B.C. Land Act amendments take AME by surprise
AME was unaware engagement process for Land Act changes was even underway

February 1, 2024 - Richmond News

Comment: Democracy undermined by NDP’s Land Act plans
In a democracy, those affected by collective decisions have the right to participate in making those decisions.

February 1, 2024 - Times Colonist

Bruce Pardy: B.C.‘s plan to ‘reconcile’ by giving First Nations a veto on land use
UNDRIP-inspired land law reforms are poised to turn province into an untenable host for mining, forestry and much more

February 1, 2024 - The National Post

Vaughn Palmer: B.C. minister says he’s ‘keen’ to discuss plans for Lands Act. Really?
Opinion: The government wants to be able to conclude these agreements without having to go through the legislative process every time

January 31, 2024 - The Vancouver Sun

BLOG: B.C. government’s plan to co-manage public land with First Nations will close province for business
According to the plan, First Nations will become joint landlords of more than 90 per cent of the province.

January 31, 2024 - The Fraser Institute

Western Canada: A closer look at B.C.’s plan to change the way land-use decisions are made
Ferociously quick timeline: 12 weeks for public consultation on what will result in legislation introduced and passed within 19 weeks

January 31, 2024 - The Globe and Mail

B.C. Land Act Amendment and the Future of British Columbia | B.C. Wildlife Federation
The B.C. Wildlife Federation is committed to reconciliation and co-management of this province’s natural resources with First Nations. The BCWF has partnered with dozens of B.C. First Nations on hundreds of projects over the past two years, restoring wetlands, conducting world class restoration, training field technicians, and leveraging government and philanthropic funds in the interests … Continued

January 30, 2024 - B.C. Wildlife Federation

BC government proposing a potentially major overhaul to the Land Act! by The Jill Bennett Show

January 30, 2024 - CKNW Jill Bennett Show

B.C. seeks to amend the Land Act | Watch News Videos Online
Watch B.C. seeks to amend the Land Act Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca

January 30, 2024 - Global News

Debate intensifies over plan to share B.C. Crown land decisions with Indigenous representatives
The NDP government is planning some major changes to the way decisions are made when it comes to public land use in B.C.

January 29, 2024 - CTV News Vancouver

Vaughn Palmer: Changes to Land Act are huge, despite B.C. minister’s claims
Opinion: Nathan Cullen suggests the pending change is no big deal, flowing naturally from the passage, back in 2019, of the Declaration Act.

January 29, 2024 - Vancouver Sun

B.C. prepares legislation to share decision-making power with Indigenous groups over public lands
The proposed amendments to the Land Act will allow for joint statutory authority over new projects that require Crown tenure

January 29, 2024 - The Globe and Mail

Vaughn Palmer: B.C. NDP quietly consult on sweeping changes to managing public lands
Opinion: Timeline suggests government has already decided how it will co-manage lands with Indigenous governments

January 26, 2024 - Vancouver Sun

BC Government Consulting on New Law to Give Indigenous Groups Control over Crown Land Decisions
The Government of BC is seeking to amend the Land Act to provide decision making power over Crown land to Indigenous groups.

January 24, 2024 - McMillan LLP

DMP comment period extended to Feb. 16 – province provides no further details
While no reasons for the adjustment were provided when the input date was changed or in the days that followed, a range of parties with plans to ask the province for the extension sent details on their requests to Coast Reporter.

January 19, 2024 - Coast Reporter

DRIPA may trump private property rights on Gulf Island
Provincial ruling could provide precedent for Island real estate due to B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act

Western Investor - June 7th 2022


January, 2024 - Harbour Spiel:
https://www.harbourspiel.com/files/harbour-spiel-january-2024-issue.pdf
Pages 3 to 6 - Opposition to latest dock management plan growing Coast-wide (Brian Lee)
Pages 12, 13 - Shishàlh swiya dock management plan (Leonard Lee, Area A director, SCRD)
Page 22 - Recreational Boating Crucial to BC Economy. New DMP Proposal Threatens Economic and Environmental Catastrophe (PHARA)


Political Coverage:

January 24, 2024 - Message from Marcus Wong, CPC West Vancouver/Sunshine Coast/Sea to Sky Candidate:

Letters: Extend the DMP deadline

January 14, 2024 - Message from Keith Roy, CPC West Vancouver/Sunshine Coast/Sea to Sky Candidate:


January 11, 2024 - Message from Kevin Falcon, Official Leader of the Opposition, BC United Leader:

https://fb.watch/pv-sv9Tzeh/?mibextid=v7YzmG
Message from Kevin Falcon, Official Leader of the Opposition and BC United party leader. He supports our cause and agrees the process to date has been incredibly flawed.