Pender Harbour Project

Last updated on May 8, 2024

To promote responsible and appropriate dock development in Pender Harbour, the Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan was developed.

Engagement on proposed amendments to the dock management guidance within the swiya

May 8, 2024 update: Dock Management Plan Advisory Group Engagement
On Friday April 26, lhe hiwus Lenora Joe, shíshálh Nation councilors, Ministers Nathan Cullen and Murray Rankin, MLA Nick Simons, representatives from the Sunshine Coast Regional District, local mayors, and representatives from the Waterfront Protection Coalition had an opportunity to tour kalpilin (Pender Harbour) to see the area up close. The tour and discussions allowed everyone to see first-hand the passion and commitment that is shared by all across the swiya. Later that day, lhe hiwus Lenora Joe and shíshálh Nation councilors hosted everyone and the Dock Management Plan Advisory Group to hear first-hand from the representatives of the Advisory Group.

On March 14, the Province and shíshálh Nation announced both proposed changes to the Dock Management Plan in response to feedback received from over 1700 submissions from individuals and groups on and off the Sunshine Coast; and, the formation of an Advisory Group with representation from across the Sunshine Coast.

The Dock Management Plan Advisory Group has been meeting regularly since then to learn more about the Dock Management Plan, the processes followed by the Province and shíshálh Nation in reviewing dock applications, and to talk about the foreshore values we are all trying to maintain.

The purpose of the Advisory Group is to build a greater understanding of the Dock Management Plan, provide feedback on the proposed amendments presented by the Province and shíshálh Nation on March 14, and offer any other recommendations, including additional amendments, that could be used to inform further amendments or implementation considerations.

The Terms of Reference (PDF, 224KB) for the Advisory Group is now available.

May 3, 2024 update:
The Ministry has proactively released the comments and attachments received regarding the proposed amendments to the Dock Management Plan. Some information has been withheld pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Read the Proactive Disclosure (PDF, 66.8MB).

March 14, 2024 update: Next Steps and Changes Proposed
Together, the Province of B.C. and shíshálh Nation are proposing significant changes to the Dock Management Plan to address community interests and protect shíshálh’s rights and title, and are forming an Advisory Group with representation from across the Sunshine Coast to review the new proposed changes. Please see the Summary of updates to shishalh swiya Dock Management Plan (PDF, 156 KB) for details on the proposed updates to the shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan to respond to concerns and balance interests. 

Joint statement on shishalh swiya Dock Management Plan being updated following public engagement

March 8, 2024 update: What We Heard Report Posted
From November 24, 2023 to February 16, 2024, the province and shishalh Nation requested feedback from the public on a set of proposed amendments to the shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan. This What We’ve Heard Report (PDF, 146.6KB) is our commitment to share with the public what has been heard throughout the engagement process. The report summarizes the key themes and feedback captured during the engagement.

February 16, 2024 update: Thank you
Thank you for taking the time to engage on the proposed changes to the Dock Management Plan. By commenting you have contributed valuable public input into how BC and shíshálh governments work together to create and adjust planning and policy tools that support our shared goals.

Your contributions will be given full consideration and will assist our governments in determining next steps and continued implementation of dock management in the swiya.

We remain committed to sharing a What We Have Heard report and more information about our next steps. The report will be posted here on March 8, 2024.

January 12, 2024 update: Extending the Public Commenting Period to February 16, 2024
The public commenting period regarding the proposed amendments to the shishalh swiya Dock Management Plan has been extended to February 16, 2024. Questions, comments and feedback can be directed to the Applications, Comments and Reasons for Decision website (file # 2412772) until that date. Provincial staff will be monitoring comments received through the website and will provide additional clarity and answers to common questions. Comments received via email or phone call will not be reviewed, so please direct all comments to the website above to ensure your questions/comments are received.

In addition, a summary document of “What We Have heard So Far” will be compiled and shared here in a couple of weeks’ time.  

November 24, 2023 update: 
Proposed amendments to dock management guidance within the swiya are currently open for public engagement and review. 

The Dock Management Plan with proposed amendments and additional guidance documents are available below and on the Applications, Comments, and Reasons for Decisions website (Search for File # 2412772).

Comments on the proposed amendments to the Dock Management Plan can be submitted online at the above website, or in writing to:

Section Head, Crown Land Authorizations
Julia Grant, Section Head
Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
South Coast Regional Office
200-10428 153 Street
Surrey, BC V3R 1E1

Please be advised that public comments received on the proposed amendments to the shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan will be provided to the public upon request. Comments must be submitted by February 16, 2024.

Proposed Amendments Supporting Documents:

About the Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan

The plan Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan was implemented on April 4, 2018.

The Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan was developed by government in consultation with the shíshálh Nation, taking into account environmental and archaeological values in the area.

The plan defines requirements for dock design and construction, and further identifies three zones where additional requirements or restrictions apply. The plan aims to minimize impacts to marine resources, protect archaeological resources, address impacts of dock development and advance collaborative management between the shíshálh Nation and the province.

If you are looking for information regarding constructing a dock in Pender Harbour, replacing an existing dock, or conducting any activities on Crown foreshore in Pender Harbour or Madeira Park, please review the links and resources provided below.

Links and Resources: