Whereas many BC local governments continue to experience an ongoing significant proliferation of non-compliant and illegal buoys on our lakes, which has led to an untenable enforcement and public safety situation as well as diminished environmental and fisheries values; And whereas both the Province of BC and Government of Canada have a shared jurisdictional authority and responsibility regarding enforcement and removal of these structures because: - the buoys are placed on Crown lands being anchored to the lake bottom, - the landowners are using Crown lands for exclusive ongoing use without tenure; and - the buoy float and its placementadjacency on the water to other buoys and structures is regulated by Transport Canada: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the provincial and federal governments to utilize their enforcement powers and authorities to remove non-compliant and illegal buoys which are in trespass on Crown lands, through a multijurisdictional project between the Province of BC, Government of Canada, and impacted local governments.
Ministry of Water Land and Resource Stewardship The Province is committed to working in collaboration with the federal government and local governments on the issue of non-compliant and illegal mooring buoys, but at this time, cannot commit to a formal provincial-scaled multijurisdictional project. Local governments are encouraged to explore the use of bylaws and subsequent enforcement to regulate and manage areas of high conflict or concern. Local governments can also reach out to the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship regional offices to discuss areas of particular concern. The federal government is responsible for the regulation of mooring buoys under the Canadian Navigable Waters Act and the Canada Shipping Act Private Buoy Regulations. If mooring buoys are causing navigational or safety concerns, local governments should contact Transport Canada.