sLSA - Freshwater update
1. Freshwater Dock Registration Remains on Hold
It is not yet time for dock owners on the lakes to start registering their docks. Additional advisory work and a literature review is planned before dock registration will be open for freshwater lakes.
2. Freshwater Advisory Process
A freshwater advisory group has been established with representatives from the BC Gov, shishálh Nation, Sunshine Coast Conservation Association the District of Sechelt, and three sLSA representatives (Andrew McFayden, Bev Van Hatten and Brad Edgelow). We are expecting a Q&A sheet from the Province to further explain the advisory process. The sLSA aims:
- To ensure a pathway for grandfathering of existing docks and boathouses to achieve renewable tenures, equivalent to the marine process but specific to freshwater
- To advocate for freshwater dock and boathouse best management practices, distinct from marine requirements.
- To encourage local stewardship of the lakes and to ensure that community efforts are recognized.
3. Foundation Agreement Update:
The Provincial government and shíshálh Nation recently renewed the 2018 Foundation Agreement.
For anyone interested, there will be a virtual information session to find out more about the updated agreement.
Renewed Foundation Agreement Link and Announcement
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.
Dock owners can submit questions to the government on the Foundation Agreement and the Dock Management Plan via email: IRRCoastNegotiations@gov.bc.ca
Additional updates will be provided as details unfold.
We welcome your feedback.
Best Wishes,
Larry Van Hatten and Andrew McFadyen,
Co-Chairs, swiya Lakes Stewardship Alliance