New land use controversy could be percolating for BC Cabinet Minister Cullen

The BC government's plans towards proposed changes to the provincial dock management program seemingly are raising a few red flags from those who use the docks in British Columbia.

Last week, Nathan Cullen the MLA for Stikine and Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship released details towards a  joint statement with the shishálh Nation, that related to proposed changes to the shishálh swiya Dock Management Plan. 

The initiative is focused on Pender Harbour  in theSunshine Coast area of the province.

The document, one which was described as n important tool to provide management guidelines, the Minister recounting some of the feedback that the province received from its engagement on that process.

The full report as noted in the statement can be reviewed here.

However, like the controversial Land Use initiative from the Minister of January, not everyone seems to be reassured by the province's commitment towards consultation.

One group making a call for more attention to the government's plans is the Waterfront Protection Coalition.

 

From their website, the advocacy group outlines its concerns over what it believes was  the 'short window for public comments' from the call for comment on Dock Management by the province.

The original deadline of mid January had been extended to mid February, though the organization feels more time should have been allowed for comments from those impacted by any proposed changes. 

As they note in their alert for members, the Sunshine Coast plan, has been explained as the template that the province may be using for all of British Columbia; so their concerns could soon be those shared by other communities with water access across BC.

The most recent notes from the organization those of a direct call to the Premier to fix the Dock Management plan

The organization describes itself as a volunteer group for BC citizens’ advocating for fair consultation and representation on the proposed DMP and Land Act. 

With the BC Government having suspended its plans for any changes to the Land Act for the Spring Session, how Minister Cullen navigates the concerns on Dock Management may dictate if that issue becomes more controversial.  

Should concerns continue to be raised by those in the community,  it would put another initiative from  the BC Government back into the spotlight before the end of this session and into the Fall election period..

More notes from the Legislature can be reviewed here.