Safe Boat Havens
Early in the 1990’s, the Council of B.C. Yacht Clubs, through its members, embarked upon the task of formulating a catalogue of safe anchorages throughout the coast of British Columbia Intended for the specific use of small vessels where there would be reasonable confidence of secure anchoring on arrival and a peaceful night.
The “Provincial Boat Havens” document lists 126 locations in three categories:
A. Destination Harbors.
These harbors are located at strategic intervals; approximately one day travel apart, and provide maximum
shelter from most weather conditions and possible long-term anchorage.
B. Settled weathers overnight Anchorage.
Weather permitting, these give good protection,
C. Scenic, Temporary or Emergency Anchorage.
Varying degrees of protection depending on weather conditions. Some of these sit es are identified for their scenic value and not always suitable as anchorage. The emergency locations are noted as. Harbour of refuge.
The locations can also be viewed on Google Earth by importing this KMZ file.
(Note: The KMZ file can be converted to a GPX file which can be read by popular navigation apps like Navionics)
Boating on the Okanagan Lake
The 2023 edition of the Sun Cruiser is an excellent guide to boating on the lake. Unfortunately, after publishing for many years, there are no new issues planned. Hopefully this answers any questions people might have regarding places to moor on the Lake.
Useful links
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| https://waterfrontprotection.org/ | Waterfront Protection Coalition (WPC) – Advocating for fair consultation and representation on the proposed Dock Management Plan (DMP) and amendments to the Land Act |
| https://waterfrontprotection.org/content/files/2024/02/DMP-Financial-Impact-Assessment.pdf | Financial Impact Assessment of the Dock Management Plan by WPC |
| https://bcmpfs.ca | Marine Park Forever Society |
| https://mersociety.org/about/what-we-do/ | Marine Education and Research Society: Research on whales |
| https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/mammals-mammiferes/whales-baleines/srkw-measures-mesures-ers-eng.html | Overview of 2024 management measures to support Southern Resident killer whale recovery |
Other links
- The Waterfront Protection Coalition has created a website to keep the many interest groups informed. Also, comments for changes to the Land Act before March 31st
https://waterfrontprotection.org/ - Consultation period has been extended to Feb. 16th, 2024, please write a response stating your opinion
https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/applications?clidDtid=2412772&id=655fd3540d24d60022df6ee3, Ref. No. 2412772 - McMillan LLP Indigeneous Law Bulletin: “BC Government Consulting on New Law to Give Indigenous Groups Control over Crown Land Decisions”
BC Government Consulting on New Law to Give Indigenous Groups Control over Crown Land Decisions – McMillan LLP - FaQ Document from the Province and SFN:
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/faq-shishalh_swiya_dock_management_plan_proposed_amendments.pdf - The presentation by Minister Nathan Cullen on February 8, 2024 to various outdoor recreation organizations
https://cbcyachtclubs.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024-Land-Act-Amendments-Stakeholder-Deck-02-06-1141am.pdf - The existing dock management plan is provided through this link:
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/5-pender_harbour_dmp.pdf - Concerns include the potential improper sub-delegation of statutory decision-making powers to the shIshálh Nation. Access to the letter: https://mcusercontent.com/08e4c089fc90e3f520a80a826/files/ccf20738-6cda-4f4c-1392-e29bc0030e13/2024_01_10_LT_Hon_M.Cullen_re._PHARA_002_.pdf
- Kevin Falcon (BC United Party) has responded to all the concern on Facebook: https://fb.watch/pw8DC9quGC/?mibextid=CTbP7E
- Richard Wiefelspuett of LMS requests help:
give.charityvillage.com/LadysmithCommunityMarina - Lambert M.C. et al. 2023. Do small overwater structures impact marine habitats and biota. Pacific Conservation Biology doi: 10,107 I/PC 22037
http://www.penderharbourdockplan.com/uploads/5/2/0/4/52047017/balanced_environmental_review_march_8_2019.pdf