CANADA, September 3 -
Summary
- Public survey on the draft Strategic Management Plan will be open from Sept. 3, 2026, until Oct. 18, 2026
- The plan proposes guidelines for the management of private marine docks on Crown foreshore areas in southern Gulf Islands and southeastern Vancouver Island
- Feedback will help determine whether the draft approach strikes the right balance and identify opportunities for improvement
__________
Public feedback on a draft strategic management plan is invited to help shape the path for private marine docks in southern Gulf Islands and southeastern Vancouver Island.
The B.C. government, in consultation with First Nations and an advisory group that included representatives of waterfront property owners, dock owners, science and conservation organizations, recreation groups, tourism and economic development organizations, and local governments, has developed a draft long-term strategy to manage private docks in the area, and is seeking public input. The draft plan sets out guidelines and requirements to:
- provide greater clarity for dock owners and people who want to build private docks in the area
- ensure people in B.C. can continue to access the public coastline
- protect the marine environment
- align with existing processes for consideration of First Nations’ rights and the protection of heritage values
The draft plan does not create requirements to remove or relocate a private dock with an active authorization. Instead, the draft proposes that owners of existing docks with active authorizations will be required to bring them into accordance with best management practices over time. The proposed best management practices and timelines for dock owners to implement them are set out in the draft plan.
Public feedback opportunity
Dock owners and people interested in marine dock management in southern Gulf Islands can provide feedback through a public survey open from Sept. 3, 2026, until Oct. 18, 2026. Feedback will help determine whether the draft approach strikes the right balance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Why a new management approach is needed
The coastline of southern Gulf Islands and southeastern Vancouver Island is publicly owned Crown land. The coastlines support ecological diversity, wildlife habitat, First Nations interests and rights, as well as recreational and economic activities for residents and businesses. Private docks are also important to many waterfront residents for recreation, transportation and emergency access.
In 2021, the Province paused new applications for private moorages in the area to better understand and account for how it affects the environment, effects on First Nations rights and cumulative effects. The pause ended in March 2026.
The draft plan that is open for public feedback will help guide provincial decisions about private moorage on public land through clear policies, tools and application requirements based on environmental sensitivity and the needs of the people on the coast.
Learn More:
To learn more about dock management in southern Gulf Islands and southeastern Vancouver Island and complete the survey, visit: https://feedback.engage.gov.bc.ca/766245
