Governments Respond To CVBA Concerns
- Mike
- Jul 19
- 2 min read
In our May newsletter CVBA announced that ?akisqnuk First Nation (AFN) has been approved by Transport Canada to act as the local authority for a new Vessel Operation Restriction Regulation (VORR) on Windermere and Columbia Lakes. Additionally, AFN is moving forward with what they describe as an "indigenous led" management plan for the Lakes. Transport Canada oversees the VORR process and the BC Ministry of Water, Land, & Resource Stewardship (WLRS) controls lake management. CVBA does not support these initiatives and we have outlined our members concerns to government. CVBA has insisted that the processes are transparent, communications are clear and readily available, that CVBA (and all stakeholders) have equal opportunity to participate, that all decisions are based on verifiable scientific data, and that the economic and social consequences of a boat restriction be thoroughly considered.
CVBA received responses which can be read in full in the tabs below. The responses from both levels of government are appreciated but our questions were not answered in full, and the reassurances we asked for were not provided. We pursued the issue further and were successful in having a productive meeting with WLRS Minister Randene Neill, MLA Scott McInnes, and staff on July 16. In the meeting, CVBA stressed the importance of recreational boating to the economy and social fabric of the region. We were assured that no significant changes to lake governance are underway and when changes are considered, all stakeholders will be allowed to participate in a transparent process. We also lobbied for the timely repair and reopening of the Invermere boat launch. A permit to complete minor repairs has been held up by First Nations consultations for nearly three years. Normally after First Nations consultations, government makes a decision on the application. With the boat launch, the BC Government seems to be permanently delaying the decision despite telling us there is no moratorium on work around the lakes.
CVBA also received clarification from ?akisqnuk First Nation about the status of the VORR application. In the May newsletter, we provided the exact wording from the AFN publication. However, our interpretation of their statement was incorrect. To clarify, AFN has applied for and been approved by Transport Canada, to act as the local authority for a VORR. The AFN statement described regulations designed to restrict "wake mode". However, at this time AFN has not made any application for a boating restriction on the lakes. We have requested a meeting with ?akisqnuk and are hopeful that we can communicate our vision for healthy, vibrant lakes and communities with them.
Boater's Responsibility Code
Lets take a closer look why towing across (East/West) the lake is discouraged. We are now in the busiest month of the year for boating activity. Organized traffic patterns make the lake experience more enjoyable for everyone. The vast majority of boat traffic naturally travels North/South or lengthwise. When boats tow across the lake, this creates safety and wake management problems. Wakes created from across the lake (east/west) towing intersect with the main traffic flow and create more choppy water conditions. Additionally, towing in straight lines is the best practice for both rider experience and wake management. Please review the Code below for a reminder on best boating practices.
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