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Derelict docks removed from lake

Shuswap Lake Integrated Planning Process (SLIPP) and three other partners saw the removal of 26 derelict, abandoned docks

A combined effort by the Shuswap Lake Integrated Planning Process (SLIPP) and three other partners saw the removal of 26 derelict, abandoned docks from the Salmon Arm portion of Shuswap Lake and the Sicamous area over the summer.

Up to 16 more are planned to be removed this fall from Mara Lake.

These structures can create safety issues for boaters, impede public access along the shoreline and reduce the esthetic values of the lake, and also may be damaging to fish habitat.

“Nobody wants to see these abandoned docks creating hazards to navigation and downgrading the esthetics of beautiful Shuswap Lake, so removing them is a big benefit to everyone,” says Paul Demenok, SLIPP steering committee chair and Electoral Area C director with the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. “It’s also important to note that this is the only dock removal program involving SLIPP. The semi-waterfront dock issue raised in the summer has absolutely nothing to do with SLIPP.”

Residents and businesses around the Shuswap can report derelict, abandoned docks through the SLIPP website, www.slippbc.com.

Reported docks are included in the inventory, and if they are close to the site of other removal operations, they may be removed as well. Two of the derelict, abandoned docks removed in August were reported by businesses in the Shuswap.

“The contractors came in and cleaned everything up nicely, with little disruption to our business,” says Kevin Wonacott of Captains Cove Marina.

Docks that are in poor repair, deemed to be of little or no value and with no apparent claim of ownership are being removed and disposed of with no further notice. Funding for the project is shared between the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, SLIPP funds, Old Town Bay court award funds and the province.

For more information, contact Erin Vieira at 250-314-9660.