Dock Construction a Concern in Coldstream

The District of Coldstream is leading a movement to have local municipalities to have more of a say in the construction of docks in Okanagan, Kalamalka and Wood Lakes.

Mayor Jim Garlick says many property owners have gone ahead and built docks with approval from Provincial authorities, but many don’t follow local restrictions or codes and that has to change.

“We need to make sure it doesn’t get out of hand, so its not just left up to property owners to go ahead and build a dock. There needs to be a more active role by the Province in the construction of docks.”

Garlick says existing docks would be grandfathered in if things change..but all new docks could see new restrictions.

“Those would be under a new process if they were permitted again, then they would have to go through the new process that the Province comes up with.”

Coldstream hopes all municipalities will come together in a united front to take the issue up with the Province, which has already indicated it will take actions to rectify the situation.