Photo: Denise Egan

One of about 1,200 docks damaged or destroyed during spring flooding.

The province is coming to the aid of Okanagan waterfront property owners who need to repair or replace docks damaged by spring floods.

An estimated 1,200 docks on Okanagan Lake were damaged or destroyed by the high water.

To help speed up the approval process, FrontCounter BC has set up a temporary office in Kelowna.

It will remain in place until at least the end of October in the Ministry of Agriculture building on Powick Road. It will be open Tuesday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Staff will be able to answer questions about permits and assist with the application process. Information on approvals is also available at 1-877-855-3222.

At the same time, the government reminds people that all structures must be constructed on their own property. That means above the natural boundary or normal high-water mark.

They must not build on Crown land fronting their property below the natural boundary.

For years, people in the Okanagan have complained some structures along the foreshore have impeded their legal right to access the lakefront.

Unauthorized structures (e.g., fences, retaining walls) and fill located below the natural boundary will not be allowed to be rebuilt.