We are currently accepting two applications per month for permits related to recreational docks and priority is given to shared dock applications. All additional applications received are held in a queue and assessed on a first come-first served basis.
As a Canada Port Authority, it is our responsibility to protect the waterways that make up the Port of Vancouver, including ensuring proper management of recreational docks. Recreational docks can impact the marine environment by degrading sensitive intertidal habitat, affecting marine vegetation and introducing pollutants.
Property owners who want to undertake work within or partially within the port authority’s jurisdiction are required to obtain a project permit from us, including for recreational dock installation, removal, repair, maintenance or upgrades.
- All applications for a project permit must be submitted online through our online Project and Environmental Review Portal (PER).
The applicant may be required to pay an application fee, documentation deposit and incur other expenses as part of this process. Please refer to section 6 of our Project and Environmental Review Application Guide for more information on fees.
In addition to a project permit, applicants applying for a new recreational dock will need to obtain a licence from the port authority. Our recreational dock licence agreements set out terms, allowable uses, licence areas, insurance terms, and other requirements and restrictions.
Before submitting a new dock application, make sure you’ve reviewed the updated guidelines for Burrard Inlet and any applicable local municipal information.
The port authority will assess applications for a new recreational dock licence and a Project and Environmental Review permit for its installation simultaneously.
Please visit our license and charges page for more details.
Reducing environmental impacts from recreational docks
Recreational docks can have a significant impact on the local marine environment. We encourage everyone to consider more environmentally friendly options before submitting their application for a recreational dock licence and project permit, such as a shared dock that can accommodate the needs of multiple property owners.
Please contact the port authority for more information regarding shared docks as they may be subject to different design criteria than private recreational docks.
Have a recreational dock that needs maintenance, repair or removal?
A project permit from the port authority through our Project and Environmental Review (PER) process is required before carrying out any recreational dock maintenance, repairs or upgrades. You’ll also need a project permit to remove a dock.
Through this process, we carefully review potential effects for all proposed work in our jurisdiction and propose mitigations, if necessary, including around potential impacts to the environment, community and shipping channels.
Our updated guidelines will assist you in preparing a project permit application. When in doubt, please contact us to discuss your specific situation.