All existing and proposed recreational docks within the port authority’s jurisdiction require a licence from the port authority and, depending on the property’s location, may also need municipal approval. Our recreational dock licences provide non-exclusive use and include an annual charge.
A moratorium on new recreational docks ended in June 2020 when the port authority introduced an updated licence agreement, guidelines and project permit requirements for recreational docks in Burrard Inlet.
Already have a recreational dock licence from the port authority?
We will contact you by phone or email to provide a new recreational dock licence agreement when your existing licence is due to be renewed. Your annual licence charge will not change until 2025, when new rates come into effect.
All existing licence holders should receive an updated licence agreement from us by 2025.
Recreational dock licences have and continue to be issued for the purposes of building and maintaining recreational dock structures only. Encroachments such as retaining walls and decks continue to be handled separately on a case-by-case basis.
You can contact the port authority to discuss encroachments at [email protected] or 236-788-9593.
Note: Any maintenance, repairs or upgrades you wish to do to your dock will require a project permit from the port authority and will be subject to the recreational dock guidelines for Burrard Inlet. See new recreational docks, and repairs and maintenance for more information.
Changes to the recreational dock licence
In October 2021, the port authority updated its recreational dock licence agreement to reflect current licensing standards and best practices, clarify the rights and obligations of licensees, and ensure protection of the environment. In response to feedback from some recreational dock owners, we further revised the licence agreements in 2023 to clarify licensees’ environmental responsibilities and when the port authority may exercise its termination rights.
- Environmental responsibilities: The licence agreements have been updated reflect current environmental standards including better protection measures for the local marine environment. In some circumstances, a licensee may be required to complete a benthic debris assessment or remediate spill and contamination within the licence area. A licences will only be responsible for the remediation of spills and contamination caused by them or their invitees. These environmental responsibilities are standard for in-water infrastructure throughout the port authority’s jurisdiction.
- Termination: There are certain circumstances where a licence may be terminated by one of the parties. Licensees who wish to terminate their licence must provide 30 days’ notice to the port authority (and will be required to remove their dock structures in accordance with the Project and Environmental Review process).
The port authority can terminate the licence if needed to fulfill its mandate under the Canada Marine Act, which includes ensuring safe navigation and environmental protection within its jurisdiction. The port authority is required to provide 15 months’ notice to the licensee. The port authority can also terminate a licence immediately if:
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- the licensee is in default under the licence agreement; or
- the port authority is legally required to do so (for example, by another governmental decision maker or a court)
The 10-year term of the updated licence agreement is consistent with the term of previous recreational dock licence agreements issued by the port authority. During a moratorium from 2008 to 2020, recreational dock licences were temporarily renewed for two-year terms. We began re-issuing licence agreements with 10-year terms once the moratorium was lifted, as these provide both licensees and the port authority with the stability of a long-term agreement. If in good standing, the licence agreements can be renewed for a second 10-year term. At this time, we expect licensees will be able to apply for another licence for their recreational dock at the end of this 20-year term.
Please contact the port authority if you have any questions regarding changes to the licence agreement at [email protected] or 236-788-9593.
Want to install a new recreational dock at your property?
If you want to build a recreational dock and your property is within the port authority’s jurisdiction, you’ll need to obtain both a dock licence and project permits for any construction activities from us. Depending on your property’s location, municipal approval may also be required.
We recommend you review the port authority’s recreational dock guidelines as well as relevant municipal information before submitting a project permit application.
For more information on obtaining a Project and Environmental Review permit from the port authority, visit our new docks and repairs and maintenance page and review our updated recreational dock guidelines for Burrard Inlet.
Charges
We developed a new structure for annual licence charges, effective June 2020, as part of our recreational dock updates. There are three distinctive zones, based primarily on water and land access points.
Zone 1 – Burrard Inlet with road access
(District of North Vancouver, Belcarra, Port Moody)
- Single owner: $2,000 plus GST per year
- Shared use: $2,000 plus GST per year per dock facility
Zone 2 – District of North Vancouver – rural lots
(Woodlands, Sunshine Falls, Cascade)
- Single owner: $1,200 plus GST per year
- Shared use: $1,200 plus GST per year per dock facility
Zone 3 – Indian Arm and water-access-only lots
(South end Woodlands, Brighton Beach north to Camp Howdy, Cosy Cove, Carraholly Point, Grey Rock Island, Boulder Island in Electoral Area A)
- Single owner: $600 plus GST per year
- Shared use: $600 plus GST per year per dock facility
If you share a dock, the annual charge will be split between the users. For example, if your dock is in zone 1 and there are four users, the individual cost per user will be $500 per year plus GST.
There is also a one-time charge to register each updated licence agreement. This charge covers the administrative and registration costs associated with adding a covenant to the licensees’ property.
Charge rollout
Existing licensees will continue to pay their current annual charge until 2025 when the new charge will come into effect. Property owners who licence and install a new dock or licence an existing unlicenced dock will pay the charges outlined above.
Fees for shared docks
If you share a dock, the annual cost will be split between the users. For example, if your dock is in zone 1 and there are four users, the individual cost per user will be $500 per year plus GST.
Flexible payment options
There are a variety of ways you can pay your annual charge, including annually or pre-paying for the full 10-year licence term. You can discuss payment options with our real estate team.