Powell River Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons says he’s pleased the province is willing to hear from the community again, before finalizing the Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan.
The plan is being drafted by the province and the Sechelt First Nation. The province controls foreshore leases, but the Sechelt Nation wants to protect its rights and the environment in traditional territory.
However, with a moratorium on new docks continuing it’s been a controversial exercise.
Simons says bringing in former MLA Barry Penner to help is the right move, “He knows the law, he understands the context in which the reconciliation is taking place, and I’m hopeful at least that we can find a way forward in this that respects all the parties.”
The government says Penner will be working directly with the Pender Harbour Dock Management Plan Working Group, which
includes dock owners, members of the community, business owners, and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Pender Harbour Living Heritage Society, Pender Harbour Advisory Council, and the Egmont Community Association.
Penner is expected to make his report to the province by the end of October.
