Officials will be vigilant over property owners trying to repair or rebuild docks

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations (CORD) is warning property owners that officials will be vigilant of residents attempting to repair or rebuild their damaged docks without the appropriate Provincial permit.

Foreshore property owners will need approval from the Province before beginning construction on fences or docks on Crown Land.

The Province’s approval will hinge on requirements for permitted length, shape, siting, setbacks and materials of docks and fences.

In what is sure to be a controversial issue in the coming months, approval from the Province will also ensure foreshore docks, fences and walls do not block pedestrian access between the high water mark and the low water mark.

According to the Province, Crown land “begins at the established high water mark of 343 metres above sea level and extending to the lake.”

The permit process will remind foreshore property owners that the stretch of land between the high water mark of 343 metres to where the lake water is currently sitting is Crown land, which grants residents access to walk across that stretch of land.

Okanagan Lake’s high levels caused damage to many fences and docks that for a long time physically restricted residential access to this foreshore stretch of Crown land.

An official “Beach Walk” has been organized for August 27th by Okanagan residents to create awareness around foreshore property owners who are infringing on Crown land beach access.

The Province has indicated that docks with non-conforming or unauthorized structures blocking this Crown land will not be granted permission to rebuild those areas. The Province has the power to enforce alterations to structures that do not comply with its Licence of Occupation for Crown land.

Officials are also reminding foreshore residents to not remove docks or floating infrastructure that has blown onto the foreshore until local authorities provide direction.

If large floating debris becomes a hazard affecting flood protection measures such as gabion basket, bladder dam systems, and sandbag walls along the foreshore, notify Emergency Operations officials at 250-469-8490 immediately.