Appendix 1. Guidelines for new and replacement of existing docks and boat launch facilities

Appendix 1. Guidelines for new and replacement of existing docks and boat launch facilities (From Town of View Royal OCP 2011, Bylaw No. 811, Natural Watercourse and Shoreline Areas Development Permit Area)

Docks and wharves should ensure that public access along the shore is maintained, and should serve multiple users as much as possible rather than one dock per property.
Design, size and location of docks and wharves should not limit opportunities for water access for neighbouring private properties.
Private docks and wharves should be designed to provide access to the water and seasonal boating opportunities, rather than sized to facilitate year round moorage of boats.
Docks and wharves should be sited to avoid impacts on sensitive ecosystems such as eelgrass beds, fish habitat, and natural processes such as currents and littoral drift.
Docks should be constructed in a manner that permits the free flow of water beneath. Supports should be located on hard substrate.
Floating docks should not rest on the bottom at any time and a minimal, moveable ramp should be utilized to connect the dock with the shore rather than a fixed wharf or pier.
Piers and pilings and floating docks are preferred over solid core piers.
Docks should be constructed of stable materials that will not degrade over time. The use of unenclosed plastic foam or the use of creosote treated pilings is strongly discouraged.