A new self-registration system is now available for private dock and boathouse owners in the marine area of the shíshálh swiya, offering a simple way to secure temporary authorization for existing structures.

The system ensures that owners can continue to enjoy uninterrupted water access, while the Province and shíshálh Nation work on finalizing the shíshálh swiya Dock Management Plan (DMP) for the region.

The self-registration system provides a seamless, straightforward process for residents to register their existing docks and boathouses quickly. Upon completion, owners will receive an interim general permission authorization, granting them continued use of their water structures during a transition period in which a review of self-registered docks and boathouses will occur before issuing a 20-year, long-term renewable authorization.

Important information:

• Eligibility: The self-registration system is mandatory for all existing private dock and boathouse owners in the marine area of the shíshálh swiya, regardless of whether their structures currently have tenure.
• Temporary tenure: The general permission tenure provided upon registration ensures that owners can maintain access to their docks and boathouses during the transition period.
• Long-term plans: Over the next three years, these temporary authorizations will be reviewed and eligible structures will be transitioned into long-term, 20-year renewable authorizations in alignment with the final DMP.
• Environmental requirements: Starting September 2024, owners will have 10 years to replace Styrofoam flotation systems and float decking with environmentally friendly alternatives such as encapsulated or non-Styrofoam materials and light-penetrating decking options. In cases where Styrofoam is actively breaking apart, dock and boathouse owners will have two years to replace it with encapsulated Styrofoam or a non-Styrofoam flotation system that ensures light penetration through the structure to the sea floor.

The self-registration system is only for existing marine private moorage docks and boathouses in the shíshálh swiya.

Learn More:

For other forms of moorage and information for those who have applications in queue for new structures, visit the Land use – moorage page.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/crown-land-water/crown-land/crown-land-uses/residential-uses/private-moorage

For more information about the registration process, future requirements, and the transition to long-term authorizations, refer to the Existing Dock and Boathouse Owners section in the swiya Fact Sheet:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/natural-resource-use/land-water-use/crown-land/crown-land-uses/regional-initiatives/shishalh-shared-decision-making/factsheet.pdf  
and the Frequently Asked Questions:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/natural-resource-use/land-water-use/crown-land/crown-land-uses/regional-initiatives/shishalh-shared-decision-making/faqs_dmp.pdf

To start the registration process, visit the Self-Registration System:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/crown-land-water/crown-land/regional-crown-land-initiatives/pender-harbour-project