The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) has adopted Lakes Zoning Bylaw No. 900 that regulates the placement of docks and buoys on the following lakes: Shuswap, Mara, Adams, White, Little White, Humamilt and Hunakwa.
A statement from the CSRD says the bylaw applies to all new (i.e. first time or replacement) docks, private mooring buoys and swimming platforms placed on these lakes. The purpose of the bylaw is to regulate the number, size and setback of these structures as well as uses on the lake (e.g. private mooring vs. commercial).
Local government zoning bylaws are not retroactive. If docks and buoys complied with the regulations of the day, they are legal under the new Lakes Zoning Bylaw. However, the CSRD is only one of a number of agencies with jurisdiction over the foreshore and water. The Province of BC’s Private Moorage Guidelines apply in all areas, whether they are zoned by the CSRD or not. Federal regulations also apply (Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Transport Canada).
| With the Lakes Zoning Bylaw now in place, violation of the bylaw will result in enforcement and ticketing, as per the table below: Obstructing an officer | $500 |
| Unauthorized use or structure | $200 |
| Exceeding the maximum number of swimming platforms, docks, private mooring buoys, or berths | $200 |
| Exceeding the maximum size of swimming platforms, docks or walkways, including length and width | $200 |
| Violation of setbacks for swimming platforms, docks, private mooring buoys, or boat lifts | $200 |
| Unauthorized use of a swimming platform | $200 |
For more information on Lakes Zoning Bylaw No. 900, please visit the CSRD website at: www.csrd.bc.ca or phone Planner Marcin Pachcinski at 250-833-5923 or send an e-mail to mpachcinski@csrd.bc.ca
