WHEREAS the safe, responsible and environmentally sensitive use of our inland waterways for recreational and other purposes is a high priority with many federal and provincial agencies having specific interests and roles in the regulation and protection of these valuable resources; AND WHEREAS there is no single agency, comprehensive plan, nor adequate regulatory and enforcement framework to sufficiently ensure that these resources are effectively protected and managed for the long term benefit of all residents and users throughout BC: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM request that the provincial government immediately take a leadership role and initiate an Inland Waterways Task Force, with stakeholder representation including, but not limited to: - Provincial Ministry of Environment - Provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure - Provincial Ministry of Health Services - Provincial Ministry of Community Development - Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Integrated Land Management Bureau - Transport Canada Office of Boating Safety - RCMP - Various local governments, including First Nations to review the current recreational, environmental and water quality issues related to the safe, shared use of inland waterways and bring forward a comprehensive plan to better manage, regulate, and enforce the shared use of these valuable resources.
Ministry of Forests, Lands Natural Resource Operations Although the formation of a provincially led Inland Waterways Task Force is currently not feasible due to staffing and budget constraints, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Ministry continues to explore opportunities to integrate protection and regulatory activities across ministries. Should local governments choose to establish and lead such a task force, the Ministry would be pleased to participate. Ministry officials have recently met with local representatives to address recreational, environmental and water quality concerns that would fall within the purview of the proposed task force. Recent studies have rated the water quality on Okanagan Lake very high, and a lakeshore mapping project on spawning habitat is assisting with protection and a recovery of the Kokanee population. In response to local complaints with respect to loud motorboats, Transport Canada now requires the use of mufflers on most motorized watercraft operating on inland waterways. Ministry staff are exploring enforcement options with their federal counterparts. The Ministry remains committed to working closely with local governments and partner agencies in proactively managing issues of mutual interest and shared responsibility.