Update on Freshwater Dock Management Plan

The swiya Lakes Stewardship Alliance (sLSA) has been active in preparing for The Freshwater Literature Review and the next steps for the Freshwater Dock Management Plan. Some of the recent developments include:

• In September, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued by the Shishalh Nation, under an invitation-to-bid process. The sLSA expressed concern about this development, as we understood the RFP would be an open bid process arranged by WLRS (the Government Ministry). Nevertheless, all parties were able to recommend bidders, and we felt the best qualified bidder was selected.
• The sLSA was part of the process for nominating and evaluating the bidders on the Request for Proposal.
• A contract for the literature review has recently been awarded to Limnotek, www.limnotek.com, and their work is expected to conclude in January 2026. The sLSA are supportive of Limnotek being selected. As BC-based limnologists with expertise on freshwater ecosystems, we believe Limnotek is well qualified to conduct the literature review.
• The key deliverables of the RFP include a comprehensive literature review with citations and an integrated knowledge report (including local knowledge), a cumulative effects framework, and recommendations for best management practices (BMP’s).
• Since the contract was awarded, the sLSA has forwarded a copy of our Lakes 101 presentation, our suggested articles to be considered as part of the literature review, and our recommendations for freshwater BMP’s reflecting the unique nature of the lakes and the docks, boat ports, and boathouses on the Sunshine Coast, as distinct from ocean BMP’s.
• The sLSA will consult with the contractor, the BC Government, and Shishalh at every opportunity throughout this process. Although we are not in control of the final outcome, the sLSA is hopeful that the final report and resulting BMP’s for freshwater will reflect the needs of our lakes. We are advocating for a balanced and reasonable dock management plan that fits and works for current and future dock owners, while supporting lake and foreshore health.

We have also supplied recommendations related to the License of Occupation (LOO) requirements and application process likely scheduled to begin later in 2026. We are monitoring the ocean LOO process and making recommendations to follow a similar, but lake-appropriate process for freshwater docks and boathouses. As a reminder, the BC Government will not open the registration process for freshwater docks and boathouses until the research has been completed, so it is not yet time to apply for registration.

Please reach out to us with questions that may arise, and we thank you for your continued support during this process

Also, please see the Sakinaw Sockeye Returns Trends on this webpage: https://slsalliancebc.ca/reference/

From the sLSA Advisory Group Representatives:
Larry Van Hatten, Andrew McFadyen, Brad Edgelow, Bev Van Hatten