Bigger docks on Shuswap

Photo: Pixabay

Officials have set a limit on the size of docks in Shuswap-area lakes.

The maximum size for docks on lakes including Shuswap, Mara and White lakes is going to change after consideration by Columbia Shuswap Regional District directors.

Previously, the CSRD’s lakes zoning bylaw set the surface area of a dock at 24 square metres, not including the walkway, which is not limited in length.

Initially, CSRD staff recommended docks be limited to 30 square metres, but following public consultation, staff upped the maximum size to 32 square metres.

But discussion among directors led to an amendment to further increase the dock size to 33.45 square metres, or 360 square feet, to assist the construction industry, which often works with imperial measurements.

As part of the planned changes to the bylaw, minor increases were also made to the width of a dock and the width of walkways used to access it.

Upon final bylaw approval, docks in the foreshore park zone, which would include CSRD parks, will be allowed to be a maximum of 40 square metres.

The board approved third reading of the bylaw with the amendment and it will now be sent to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for statutory approval before returning to the board for final adoption.

More information on the bylaw is available on the CSRD’s website.