The Province is hosting a virtual info session on their streamlined marine boathouse tenure process tomorrow, Wednesday January 14, 2026, between 6:30pm and 8:00pm. The Province has posted a teams link to the session on the shishalh swiya Dock Management project page.

In-person assistance will also be available in Pender Harbour later this month, on January 29, 2026.

Virtual session: 

Title: Navigating the swiya Streamlined Existing Marine Boathouse Tenure Process 
Date: January 14, 2026 from 6:30 pm to 8:00pm PT 
Format: Teams video conference 
Link: Teams link here

In-person assistance: 

Date: January 29, 2026 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm PT 
Location: Pender Harbour Legion, 12829 Lillies Lake Road, Madeira Park, B.C. 

The Province has issued their long-awaited Ministerial Order, expanding the previously implemented streamlined renewal process to now include private marine docks and boathouses.

“Effective December 9, 2025, eligible dock facilities with boathouses in the marine environment (i.e., not in freshwater) on the Sunshine Coast will receive streamlined renewable 20-year tenures, further to the shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan. Eligible boathouses include those that were in the water as of July 1, 2024, are self-registered by owners in the self-registration system and are not derelict.”

Only dock and boathouse owners who’ve self-registered their dock are eligible to receive a fast-track offer of a twenty-year dock licence.  

If you have completed self-registration, have a private marine boathouse and have not received a 20-year long-term renewable tenure offer, the WPC recommends that you reach out to the Ministry for an update on your submission (ssDMP@gov.bc.ca or 604-586-4400).

Important milestones:

• License fees are $3,336.00 + GST (Dock: $1,668 + Boathouse: $1,668) for 20 years = 166.80/yr. 
• Boathouses may include multiple slips or roofs, as long as they were existing, as-is, on July 1, 2024 and are not derelict. 
• Information on derelict docks, boathouses and remediation requirements is said to be forthcoming. General information on the 2024 Dock Inventory can be found here.

Upcoming information sessions:

The Province has scheduled two information sessions on the updated streamlined process: 

Virtual session: 

Title: Navigating the swiya Streamlined Existing Marine Boathouse Tenure Process 
Date: January 14, 2026 from 6:30 pm to 8:00pm PT 
Format: Teams video conference 
Link: To be posted here closer to the date   

In-person assistance: 

Date: January 29, 2026 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm PT 
Location: Pender Harbour Legion, 12829 Lillies Lake Road, Madeira Park, B.C. 

Related documents: 

• Official Government News Release here 
• Fact sheet here 
• Ministerial Order here 

WPC Meets with Premier Eby:

The WPC maintains ongoing contact with Minister Randene Neil and Premier David Eby. The WPC recently met in-person with the Premier to provide an update and continues to advocate on behalf of our members and affiliated organizations. The Premier committed to excluding private fee simple property and the adjacent foreshore from grants of title to First Nations.

DMP News:

Coast Reporter - Boathouse owners within swiya can apply online for 20 year licence tenures

Happy Holidays & Thank You for your continued support

Due to ongoing public-sector job action, the Ministerial Order to fast-track boathouse dock licenses by September was delayed. The WPC will continue pressing the Province to honour their grandfathering commitments and deliver on the fast-track process for Boathouse and dock licenses as announced earlier this year. 
 
Many dock owners on the Sunshine Coast with registered docks without boathouses were receiving 20-year grandfathered licenses prior to the public-sector job action. However, per a note on the DMP Project page, the B.C. government is currently not processing 20-year renewable licences of occupation, nor are they responding to submission inquiries. Planned site visits to strata, group and commercial moorages were also paused. 

In the meantime, you can still self-register your dock to receive an invitation to apply for a 20-year license when the process resumes. Self-registering is fast and easy – no photos, measurements or studies are required.

Information Session FAQs Updated

The Province updated their Pender Harbour / shíshálh Nation FAQ document on October 8, 2025, which can be found here. The update confirms that the Order in Council authorizing shared dock-decision negotiations has been repealed, and the Province states that it is not pursuing any new agreements or Land Act changes related to docks at this time.  For now, dock tenures remain under existing provincial processes, and the WPC will continue monitoring future developments.

Gambier and Squamish Land Use Planning

The WPC is closely watching the situation on Gambier Island. While the Province has confirmed that the Squamish Nation Agreement does not restrict docks or boathouses at this time, it also indicated future discussions could occur to address foreshore management. Our concern is that any such process must protect existing tenure rights and respect the long-standing access for property owners and the public. The Gambier Island Community and WPC are continuing to seek assurances that any next steps will include transparency, consultation and protection of established rights. 

You can read our letter to the Ministry here and the Deputy Minister’s official response here. More information is also available on the Gambier Our Island, Our Voice website.

Thank you for your continued support.

We wanted to inform you that the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship and the shíshálh Nation will be conducting an inventory of marinas, commercial docks, group docks, and strata moorage structures in the swiya over the coming weeks. 

Field crews will be photographing and assessing multi-berth moorages, with tentative visits starting on September 25, 2025 (and possibly continuing into the week of October 6, 2025). Owners do not need to be present, but are welcome to attend. If you have access restrictions, questions or concerns, please contact ssDMP@gov.bc.ca.

At the same time, please know that WPC is continuing to request that the government begin issuing tenure offers to boathouse and other dock owners that weren't included in the initial ministerial order. We are committed to our members and are working closely with the government to ensure that these grandfathering tenures move forward within the timelines they initially promised. We will share updates as progress is made.

Thank you for your continued support.

The Province has announced the following opportunities for dock owners to receive additional assistance:

“Ministry staff will be available for in-person office hours to support dock owners with questions related to the self-registration system and the streamlined tenure process.”

In-Person Office Hours:

Ministry staff will be available for in-person office hours to support dock owners with questions related to the self-registration system and the streamlined tenure process.

• Date: September 9, 2025, and September 25, 2025
• Time: 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm PT
• Location: Ministry of Transportation and Transit Office 
  300 - 5710 Teredo Street 
  Sechelt, B.C. 

Phone Assistance:

• Call 604-586-4400 (FrontCounter BC - South Coast Region) to book a phone appointment with an Authorizations team member. 

Email Assistance:

• Email ssDMP@gov.bc.ca with any additional questions. 

Info Session Materials:

On August 14, 2025, the Province provided details on the new streamlined process for eligible private moorage marine docks. The Province has now posted a recording and this info session on the DMP project page:

• YouTube recording (1h 28m) 
• Presentation PDF (34 slides) 

The government is hosting a summer townhall on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

• Title: Navigating the swiya Fast-Tracked Existing Marine Dock Tenure Process: A Guide for swiya Dock Owners
• Date: August 14, 2025
• Time: 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm PT
• Format: Teams video conference (a link will be available shortly before the session) Please visit www.gov.bc.ca/swiyadockmanagement 

Self-register your dock today to potentially get a fast track tenure and receive an invite to the townhall:  https://submit.digital.gov.bc.ca/app/form/submit?f=e8861b99-2c49-42e3-b7a5-9edaf5e3ae3d 

We have received some questions and have forwarded them on to the Ministry. Please email ssDMP@gov.bc.ca and cc us if you have any additional questions in advance.

1. Boathouses: When will boathouses be fast-tracked?
2. Derelict Docks: When will derelict dock owners be notified?
3. New Docks: When will new dock guidelines be published? Process and timelines?
4. Lake Dock Owners: When can they self-register?
5. Other Jurisdictions: Dock owners around BC are waiting for clarification.
6. Floats: The LoO refers to “one” float. Many docks have more than one float. Given that grandfathering applies, regardless of configuration, it would save a lot of administration if you amended that to a single ramp. Can/will you do that? 
7. Accessibility: What support is available for registrants that require assistance?
8. New Registrants: Will those who register this week receive an invitation?
9. Deadline: Is there a deadline to send in the paperwork for the fast-track process?

20 Year Dock License Issued!

One of our members has notified us they have received their 20 year tenure. Congratulations to them and their family! The recipient took thirty minutes to complete the forms, took photographs and had their insurance broker sign the form. Payment was made to Front Counter via credit card and the license was received a week later.

“The elimination of the environmental and archeological complexity and expense simplified this entire process. I am very pleased with this new streamlined procedure.” - R.M.

Another topic WPC is exploring is Land Use Planning: How will Land Use Planning affect this process? When will WPC receive a reply to our letter? (WPC Land Use Planning Engagement Letter.pdf) 

See you at the townhall and thank you for your continued support!

The Province has issued a Ministerial Order launching a new fast-tracked process for eligible grandfathered private moorage docks. Roughly 220 dock licence offers have been issued this week so check your email.

Only dock owners who’ve self-registered their dock are eligible to receive a fast-track offer of a twenty-year dock licence. If you have not self-registered your dock/boathouse REGISTER NOW. Once registered, you’ll be eligible for a fast-tracked licence – unless your dock/boathouse is deemed to be derelict, in which case you’ll need to remedy the defects.

Register your dock here.

The WPC has been very busy. Since successfully campaigning for all existing docks/boathouses to be grandfathered (see Provincial announcement August 1, 2024) the WPC has been actively negotiating many related issues, including reasonable fees.

Important milestones:

• ✅ The government has issued offers for roughly 220 twenty-year licences. Check your inbox! 
• ✅ Licence of Occupation Fees were drastically lowered due our feedback – to $1,668 for 20 years = $83.40/yr. 
• ✅ Boathouses will be next, under a fast-track process similar to docks - expected this fall. STAY TUNED 
• ✅ The government will host a webinar in August for those with questions. Details to follow. 
• ✅ The government responded officially to WPC with a letter providing additional comfort to dock/boathouse licensees.
  • WPC Submission to WLRS here
  • Response to WPC here

Recently Premier David Eby reaffirmed the government's commitment to grandfathering in the Legislature on May 29, 2025. He acknowledged WPC by name and confirmed that docks and boathouses in place as of July 1, 2024 can remain. 
Watch the Video (starting at 15:52)

“I want to recognize the Waterfront Protection Coalition for their work... This was a reassurance to dock and boathouse owners that they can keep their docks in the water and continue to have access.” - Hon. David Eby

Related documents:

• Official Government News Release here
• Fact Sheet here
• Ministerial Order here

We’re here - working in the background for dock/boathouse owners across BC.  If you’re not already a WPC member – join now, it’s free – and get your friends to join.

The shíshálh and BC Land Use Planning team is asking for input from all residents of the swiya (territory) by June 23, 2025. This is a critical opportunity for the public to weigh in on how land in the region will be managed going forward - a process that will impact access, use, and conservation of public lands. 

We strongly encourage residents to fill out the online questionnaire or send a letter to your MLA and landuseplanning@gov.bc.ca. Visit the official engagement site here. 

The province has released an interactive map which outlines proposed land use zones and highlights sensitive habitat areas. The WPC has been coordinating with several organizations on how to best respond on behalf of dock and waterfront owners. We will be submitting a letter requesting further mapping of parks, marine parks, public docks / anchorage locations, and access to these areas.  

There are several other land use planning initiatives underway across B.C. that could affect public land and are currently open for input. Learn more here. 

Our recommendation:

The government must ensure that public land, including bodies of water, remain accessible to all coastal residents, and that privately owned land is not affected by any new zoning or planning outcomes.

DMP & Long-Term Tenures:

An update on the Dock Management Plan and long-term tenures is expected soon, including a letter from the province addressing key concerns highlighted by the WPC and its members. The government has reaffirmed that docks and boathouses in place as of July 1, 2024, remain grandfathered. We have asked the government to issue tenures promptly. 

Coalition Updates:

Council of BC Yacht Clubs (CBCYC) update: 

The CBCYC has outlined several key issues for recreational boaters, including information on their efforts with the Gambier Island Official Community Plan Regulations and the new anchoring restrictions in Cowichan Bay. Click here to learn more.  

Swiya Lakes Stewardship Alliance (sLSA) Update:

The Swiya Lakes Stewardship Alliance (sLSA) has been actively participating in the Lakes Advisory Group, collaborating with the shíshálh Nation, the B.C. government, and other stakeholders on the future of freshwater dock management. For a detailed overview please refer to the full June update on the sLSA website.

The government recently posted an update to the shishalh Nation Foundation Agreement page here. A subsequent press release was also published. Excerpts:

shíshálh Nation and the Province recently renewed the 2018 Foundation Agreement. Join B.C. representatives for a virtual information session to find out more about the agreement.

Dates: March 20 and 31, 2025
Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Format: Zoom video conference

Representatives from the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation and the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship will provide details on the Foundation Agreement renewal, how it relates to the shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan, and what it means for residents of the Sunshine Coast.

Questions and comments will be accepted and addressed during each session.

Action Item:
Please submit your questions to the government on the Foundation Agreement and the Dock Management Plan via email: IRRCoastNegotiations@gov.bc.ca (cc info@waterfrontprotection.org).

DMP & Long-Term Tenures:

We remain committed to continuing to work with the Ministry and shishalh Nation on the grandfathering of legacy docks, boathouses and renewable long-term tenures, as outlined in their joint August 1, 2024 press release. Read the WPC’s original release here.

Fewer than ten long-term authorizations have been issued to dock owners in the swiya to date. While some members have shared their agreements for review, we’ve raised concerns about slow issuance, unclear clauses, and the lack of a fee schedule — and we’re waiting for a response.

If you have received a Long-Term Authorization agreement and have not already done so, please contact the government directly to request an extension.

Gambier Island News:

We are in contact with the Gambier Island group and are working on supporting them for their upcoming in-person Island Trust meeting on March 25, 2025 (10:00am to 2:00pm) in North Vancouver.

There are currently five major planning processes underway: 

1. Gambier Official Community Plan (OCP) Review
2. New Land Use Bylaw (LUB)
3. Proposed Dock Management Plan (DMP)
4. New Shoreline Protection Plan
5. New Heritage Conservation Zone

We encourage anyone in support of Gambier Island docks and Yacht clubs to join the meeting, as docks will be a topic of discussion. Further meeting details are available here.

Members of the Gambier community should email oxgambierxo@icloud.com to join their mailing list and to ask any questions.

Swiya Lakes Stewardship Alliance (sLSA) Update:

The swiya Lakes Stewardship Alliance have joined a newly formed Dock Management Plan Advisory Group (DMPAG) with government and shishalh representatives.

The sLSA will be representing the interests of freshwater dock owners throughout this process. Their goal is to make DMPAG participants aware of members’ concerns and other perspectives that exist across the swiya in relation to the DMP.

Future updates on this process will be available on the sLSA website here.

Latest News:

Visit our News & Media page to stay updated on the latest media and political coverage on topics relevant to the DMP. 

Yesterday the BC Government published the long-awaited Foundation Agreement renewal, dated August 16, 2024. More information such as details on the renewal, funding commitments, fact sheet and the original 2018 agreement can be found on the shishalh Nation BC Foundation Agreement page here. The corresponding government press release is available here.

You can view the Foundation Agreement Addendum PDF here. Part 17 and Schedule G of the document specifically deal with the Dock Management Plan.

The shishalh swiya Dock Management (formerly titled Pender Harbour Project) page was updated with additional information.

Excerpts:

“The renewal affirms the changes to the shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan (DMP) that the B.C. government and shíshálh announced in August 2024. Additionally, the renewal includes commitments to conduct more studies in the foreshore, to undertake shared monitoring and fund restoration work conducted by shíshálh.”

“In the Foundation Agreement renewal, B.C. and shíshálh agree that, at this time, they will not be proceeding with section 7 negotiations related to dock authorizations and the resumption of those discussions will involve robust public engagement.”

“Self-registration for existing marine docks in the swiya remains open, and dock owners are encouraged to complete the self registration form online. The B.C. government and shíshálh have also begun transitioning self-registered dock owners to 20-year long-term authorizations and have offered licenses of occupation to 6 dock owners in the swiya. As this work continues, B.C. government staff will connect with self-registered dock and boathouse owners inviting them to begin the transition process."

“More information will be shared in the coming weeks. As we move forward on commitments around docks and boathouses in lake environments and commercial docks, we will be reaching out to the public through community contacts and making information available on this web page.”

The Dock section of the Foundation Agreement outlines many of the areas that the WPC Directors, through participation in the DMPAG process, sought to have included with respect to the legacy docks and boathouses.

The WPC was fully supportive of the engagement process with the shishalh, the Ministry and the DMPAG in terms of the legacy docks. This process proved to be a successful collaboration to protect the legacy infrastructure, while providing sufficient safeguards for the community, foreshore, and critical habitats in the swiya. 

Latest News:

shíshálh Foundation Agreement renewed

Reaffirmation of a shared commitment to long- term reconciliation by the shíshálh Nation and the province through a five-year renewal of the 2018 Foundation Agreement was announced in Sechelt on Jan 29.

Coast ReporterConnie Jordison photo

As some of our members may have noticed, staff from the BC government and shishalh Nation began conducting their inventory of existing docks and boathouses throughout the Swiya in late September. 

The Dock Management Project website was updated to include some brief information about this process, which you can read here.

The purpose of this inventory process is to document existing structures (description, photographic evidence, location and present condition) for the purpose of granting tenure or transitioning from your existing tenure, through self-registration to a 20-year renewable authorization (grandfathering). Per the website:

The inventory will involve:
- Photography used to develop a current (or confirm) inventory of existing private moorage structures
- An assessment to inform a condition-rating. This will be used to support work planning for transition to 20 year long-term authorizations 

The WPC requested and was granted representation (board members and volunteers) on some of the boat trips. We asked to be a part of this process so we could obtain insight into how this work is being done and what criteria are being considered. We can report, that based on the boat trips we have been on, the evaluations are being conducted in a professional and unbiased manner. We thank our volunteers for enduring the poor weather and rough seas at times.

This inventory has also been conducted on Sakinaw and Ruby lakes to confirm a baseline of existing docks and boathouses. However, lake registration remains on hold pending lake environmental review and specific lake plans. The lake owner's organization, sLSA, will have input in this process.

The list of the information being recorded on these boat trips by the BC government and shishalh Nation has been published by the government and is available here (PDF):

The condition assessment assesses the current state of docks and boathouses and their usage. The following questions outline the data that is collected for the inventory for the condition assessment:

1. Is a boathouse present? Yes or no
2. Is boathouse being used for boat storage purposes? Yes or no
3. Is boathouse being used for additional non-boat storage purposes? Yes or no
4. Are there additional structures on Crown land within the foreshore?* Yes or no
5. Is there unencapsulated Styrofoam that is spalling? Yes or no
6. If unencapsulated Styrofoam, is it significantly deteriorated? Yes or no
7. Does the dock have light-penetrating decking? Yes or no
8. Does the dock have creosote pilings? Yes or no
9. Are there any safety hazards of concern? Yes or no
10. Is the dock floating properly? Yes or no
11. How is the dock’s overall condition?**
- Great/Good – well kept, no work needed for maintenance;
- Okay/Needs work eventually – some work will be needed for maintenance over the next decade;
- Derelict/Needs work now – needs work immediately to bring into a safe, clean and sanitary condition as current state is unsafe and derelict

*Question 4: This assessment allows staff to ensure that through the planning for long-term authorizations that appropriate authorizations are considered during the transition. As structures other than private moorage may require different forms of authorization under the Land Act, this question allows staff to plan and efficiently review files.

**Question 11: This assessment scores the overall state of a dock to determine if it requires remediation in the next two years. Docks that are deemed “Derelict” include docks that have immediate concerns of severely deteriorating structural integrity and floatation. Some examples include docks that are sinking, have broken or rotting deck boards and/or have significant chunks of Styrofoam missing from their floatation. Docks and/or boathouses deemed in “Derelict” condition will receive a notice with next steps required to bring their dock into a safer condition to be eligible for authorization under the Land Act. This includes a two-year period for a remediation plan to bring the dock into a safer and less hazardous condition.

As the inventorying process is currently taking place at end-of-season, the WPC is encouraging those with seasonal docks, piers, gangways, ramps or floats to ensure that the seasonal nature of your moorage is noted in your self-assessment form submission. If you have already made your submission or you'd like to add photos to your registration for reference, please email them to AuthorizingAgency.SurreyLandManage@gov.bc.ca. This step, while optional, ensures that your existing moorage structures are accurately documented.

We have had some great questions from our members which we have sent to the government for clarification. We will communicate their responses as soon as we have more information. Here are some questions we have already received answers to:

Answered Questions:

• What is the deadline for completing the self-registration form?
  Self-registration allows the province and shishalh to efficiently transition existing docks to 20-year renewable long term authorizations. While there is no deadline to complete the self-registration form, early self-registration ensures you are prioritized in the transition process.
• When does the 10-year term for removing of unexposed Styrofoam and retrofitting transparent decking or an alternative solution commence?
  The clock for the 10-year removal of unexposed Styrofoam and dealing with transparent decking or an alternative solution started the day self-registration system went live, September 18, 2024.
• Why are some people not receiving submission confirmation emails and what should be done to remedy this?
  Please remember to “email yourself a copy” of the Self-Registration form once complete. The form does not auto-email. If you need the email link to your self-registration form sent to you as you have already completed your registration, please email ssDMP@gov.bc.ca.

Pending Questions:

• What are the expected response times for those who have requested assistance when submitting their dock and boathouse self-registration form?

The WPC and our volunteers have been out on the water again as the inventorying process continues. We will continue to keep you updated as this work progresses.

Our Next Steps:

The WPC is continuing to focus our efforts on a range of projects relevant to our members. One area we're actively exploring is the commissioning of independent, peer-reviewed research into light-penetrative decking alternatives. With marine docks in the Swiya expected to conform to light-penetrative requirements within the next 10 years, further exploration of available options is prudent.

This research would need to be grounded in modern, unbiased science and specifically tailored to the unique geographic characteristics of our region, rather than relying on findings from other areas. Advancing this project will require a comprehensive, long-term study, gathering extensive data to ensure thoroughness and accuracy.

We welcome thoughtful dialogue with those interested in contributing their expertise or learning more about the project.

Obtaining additional funding will be essential to the success of this initiative and will ensure the research is comprehensive, thorough, and conducted to the highest standards.

WPC Photo Contest:

Thank you to those who opted to participate in the WPC’s Celebrate Life on Your Dock Photo Contest! There were many great entries and it was hard to choose just three winners. We have reviewed all submissions and have selected the following:

On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, the first step towards obtaining a 20-year renewable dock tenure was launched. The Government Dock Self Registration System is up and running for those located in the Sunshine Coast Region. More information can be found in the Government’s published news release.

 Last week WPC board members were asked to test and review a version of the new dock registration system and provide our recommendations and feedback. We appreciate having our feedback considered, and believe the form is straight forward and easy to use.

 The government has stated that dock and boathouse Self-Registration system is the first step to receiving your 20-year renewable authorization.
Click here to access the Self Registration Form.

The province has updated and renamed their Dock Management Plan website. A fact sheet and answers to some frequently asked questions can be found there. The WPC will be working hard, continuing our efforts, and communicating new information to our members as we receive it.

Per the government DMP website:

“Existing dock and boathouse owners can complete the self-registration form to receive a temporary authorization (a shíshálh swiya General Permission) under the Land Act. Refer to the Sample shíshálh swiya General Permission (PDF, 199KB) for an example authorization. These authorizations and existing tenures will be transitioned to long-term 20-year renewable authorizations upon individual review over the next three years.”

WPC Contest Reminder:

If you have not done so already, you still have time to send in your photos. There is only about a week left!

• Last day to enter: September 27, 2024
• Ideas: Photos showcasing wildlife, scenic views, community involvement or activities on your dock or boathouse.
• Prizes will be awarded to the top three submissions as selected by the WPC board.

How to Enter:

• Submit your photos / videos via email to contest@waterfrontprotection.org.Each participant can submit up to three photos.
• Please include your name, phone number and address in the body of the email.
• Full contest details can be found here.

Thank you to everyone who has already sent in their amazing photos!

To celebrate the grandfathering of our docks and boathouses, the Waterfront Protection Coalition (WPC) is excited to announce our first photo and video contest. Join us in celebrating the important role that docks play on the water, as the summer comes to an end. 

Whether it is capturing wildlife on or around docks and boathouses or how you enjoy your dock with your family and friends, we want to see it. Especially underwater shots of docks and boathouses showcasing aquatic life. Send us your pictures and short videos today!

Contest Details: 

• Submission Period: August 28 - September 27, 2024
• Ideas: Photos showcasing wildlife, scenic views, community involvement or activities on your dock or boathouse.
• Prizes will be awarded to the top three submissions as selected by the WPC board. 

How to Enter: 

• Submit your photos / videos via email to contest@waterfrontprotection.org. 
• Each participant can submit up to three photos. 
• Please include your name, phone number and address in the body of the email. 
• Please reference Photo contest in the subject line.

Docks are essential to the ecosystem and part of our coastal and freshwater way of life!

The WPC believes that docks and boathouses play an important role in many communities throughout the province, by supporting diverse interactions and countless activities within our aquatic environments. They serve as habitats for wildlife (such as starfish, mussels, anemones, sponges, and more), offer recreational opportunities, and act as focal points for community gatherings. They are an instrumental part of the economy by providing necessary moorage for recreational and commercial fishing, tourism, eco-friendly water activities, and create space for tranquil reflection and connection to nature. Docks and boathouses are necessary for water access only locations, provide accessibility for emergency responders and facilitate storage of necessary life-saving equipment, such as water pumps.  

Docks offer shelter and refuge for marine species during extreme weather events and can serve as sites for conservation efforts and research initiatives. Earlier this spring WPC participated in a herring curtain program. Docks were a critical part of hanging and maintaining the herring curtains. Docks can support fish populations through these types of initiatives.

Legal Note:

By entering the contest, you grant WPC an irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide license to use, reproduce, distribute, and display your photos in any media for promotional, educational, and research purposes without compensation. You also confirm that you have the rights to the submitted photos and that they do not infringe on any third-party rights. WPC is not responsible for any unauthorized use of the photos by third parties. Submitted images may be made available on the WPC website at the contest's conclusion. Members of the WPC Board and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.

For Immediate Release

The Waterfront Protection Coalition (WPC), a volunteer organization with thousands of members and supporters along the Coast and throughout the province, has completed discussions with the BC Government and shishálh Nation on key issues concerning grandfathering within the Dock Management Plan (DMP) on the Sunshine Coast.  

 The proposed DMP created deep concern for dock users due to regulatory and application uncertainty and dock moratoriums across the province.  The WPC was formed to represent concerned residents and constructively engage with the BC Government and the shishálh to resolve longstanding differences surrounding docks and boathouses. The WPC has worked hard over the past year to get to the table and communicate coalition members’ concerns regarding the Dock Management Plan.  

The WPC’s efforts as part of the Dock Management Plan Advisory Group have focused primarily on the commitments of the Premier and the Minister to provide ‘Grandfathering’ to all existing docks and boathouses, including marine and freshwater.

Key take-away points from the government’s proposal:

• Secure Tenure - renewable 20-year tenures that provide long-term stability provided they are kept in safe condition.
• Simplified Process - no environmental or archaeological studies will be required to secure the Grandfathered tenure.
• Ability to repair docks - ongoing repairs and maintenance will be permitted and expected without needing permits.
• Environmental improvements - within 10 years, all unencapsulated Styrofoam flotation must be replaced, and light penetration decking (or alternatives) must be installed. Existing creosote pilings can remain, but when pilings require replacement, creosote pilings cannot be used.
• New docks and dock/boathouse replacement - will require compliance with the then existing DMP Best Management Practices, except docks and boathouses destroyed by weather events and fire, which can be replaced as designed/current footprint.

Our role in the DMPAG was limited to providing recommendations, and it was made clear from the outset that we could not expect consensus. Although not all WPC recommendations were adopted, we consider this to be a significant improvement over the previous DMP, and believe we have achieved a higher level of certainty for existing tenured and untenured dock and boathouse owners.

We want to thank the press for highlighting our concerns, and legislative members for their willingness to consider our perspectives and work with the WPC throughout this process.

Click here to view the details released by the Government.

More information is available on the Pender Harbour Project Page.

Click here to view the WPC's Full Recommendations to the DMPAG.

The WPC would also like to thank our coalition members and supportive organizations for your continued support and generous donations throughout this process.

Hello WPC Members on the Sunshine Coast

We are calling on everyone to email their concerns to the SCRD email before the Public Hearing next week on the Riparian and Shoreline Protection Bylaw (Amending Zoning Bylaw No. 722.9 and 337.123).

Action: Numbers matter! We urge you participate in person or virtually at the upcoming public hearing (July 16, 2024 at 7:00 PM) and email your comments to publichearings@scrd.ca before noon on July 16, 2024 to ensure your submission forms part of the Public Hearing record. You can also copy your message to the SCRD directors who will vote on this matter:

• Area A Pender / Egmont: leonard.lee@scrd.ca
• Halfmoon Bay: justine.gabias@scrd.ca
• Roberts Creek: kelly.backs@scrd.ca
• Area E / Elphinstone: donna.mcmahon@scrd.ca
• Howe Sound: kate.stamford@scrd.ca

Keep it simple if you wish, and simply state that you are opposed to the amendments, as currently proposed.

Or you can write something a bit longer and include some of our members’ main issues:

• Inadequate public notice or consultation,
• Increase of waterfront setbacks and diminished land usage,
• Preventing safe access to the waterfront,
• Limiting the ability for docks and structures to be attached to land,
• Creation of buffer zones prohibiting installation of gravel, pavers, patios, decks, structures etc. within up to 35 meters from the water,
• Limiting the ability to alter or expand an existing structure, which would be made non-conforming, with the proposed changes
• Impact on property values

We also have a template letter available to help.

Upcoming Public Hearing:

Date: Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Members of the public can join
virtually / online (via Zoom) or in-person at the SCRD’s Main Administration
Building on Field Road in Sechelt.

Further information can be found at https://www.scrd.ca/public-hearings. You can also read a written statement at the Public Hearing to have it considered by the board.

WPC has submitted a letter on behalf of our members, which you can review here.