Recreational Dock Owner Society

Join us and empower recreational property dock owners by advocating together for fair foreshore rights.

GO FUND ME ANNOUNCEMENT

In anticipation of legal advice and a legal fund required by RDOS in waterfront license negotiations with the VFPA, RDOS has created this Go Fund Me page to raise funds to defend our rights as recreational dock owners.

We would respectfully ask for donations of $500 from all impacted property owners, but any amount below or above this suggested donation is much appreciated. Your support is critical as we move to a stage of direct communication on RDOS member concerns with the VFPA proposed waterfront license language. Visit the Go Fund Me campaign today and help us negotiate fair and equitable agreements for our members.

ABOUT RDOS

The Recreational Dock Owner Society (RDOS) was created due to the egregious new foreshore licenses proposed by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority jurisdiction (VFPA).

We are a volunteer organization working to ensure that all waterfront property owners collectively within the VFPA have a voice for fair and equitable foreshore license agreements to protect the usage and value of their land for generations to come. ​

December 9th, 2024 Update:

Download the latest RDOS Community Communication

GET INFORMED

Get up to speed on the latest updates from the Port and our legal representation.

Missed our Town Hall Meetings? Click here to review the presentation.

WHAT WE DO

Key Focus Areas of RDOS

ADVOCACY

AGREEMENT CLARITY

AGREEMENT FAIRNESS

COLLECTIVE LEGAL REPRESENTATION

ADVOCACY

RDOS aims to bring about positive change, protect rights, or address issues of concern to recreational dock owners in the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority jurisdiction by raising awareness, mobilizing support, and seeking solutions through various channels such as lobbying, campaigning, or public education.

AGREEMENT CLARITY

RDOS aims to break down the complexity of proposed dock licenses, so everyone can grasp what's being communicated without getting overwhelmed by jargon. We want agreements that make sense to everyone.

AGREEMENT FAIRNESS

Ensuring that all parties involved in dock negotiations are treated justly and equitably, with their interests and rights taken into consideration. RDOS aims to create transparent and balanced terms that result in mutually satisfactory outcomes for everyone involved.

COLLECTIVE LEGAL REPRESENTATION

Joining RDOS builds a groundswell of those impacted, as we coordinate legal representation, and share costs as a group of dock owners collectively, prior to finalizing any proposed dock agreements with the VFPA. We are more powerful negotiating together as a group of owners.

KEY FOCUS AREA: CLARITY

Recreational Dock Owner Proposed Licensing

TIMELINE OF EVENTS

If you're a new dock owner or the owner of a recreational property dock that has been in the family for generations, catch up on the timeline of events that are impacting your dock's future.

November 2025

RDOS Town Hall Meeting on December 5, 2025

RDOS will be hosting a special Town Hall on December 5, 2025, where MP Zoe Royer and VFPA representative Shaun Govender will provide an update on VFPA license agreement issues, including clarification on moratoriums, signing deadlines, and progress toward resolving key concerns. Members are strongly encouraged to attend and provide input. For questions, please contact RDOS directly

November 2025

RDOS Update on License Agreement

We are pleased to advise that our MP, Zoe Royer, has met on October 31 with VFPA CEO Peter Xotta, and he has agreed to put a hold on any further action on license renewals until we try to find a resolution working with VFPA, MP Zoe Royer, and RDOS. Zoe has a detailed knowledge of our issues and is committed to assist in a remedy. More specific details will follow shortly. If you have any questions, concerns, or are receiving further letters from the Port regarding your license, please contact us – [email protected]

October 2025

RDOS Update on Annual License Fees

Waterfront property owners were notified by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority that they would be implementing new license fees July 1, 2025. Some RDOS members have received an invoice from the Port for their annual fee, but a number have not. In order to remain in good standing under your agreement, if you have not received an invoice, we recommend you contact the VFPA accounting department at [email protected] and request an invoice from them for the current annual license fee to be in compliance with your license. For reference, you may wish to attach a copy of your license fee invoice from last year. You may also wish to ask for a statement of account for your fees.

Please copy RDOS on your email – [email protected]

October 2025

RDOS Guidance on Responding to VFPA Correspondence

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has been sending out a letter recently to license holders from Brian Chow, Manager, Real Estate. A copy of the letter is attached for reference. We have been asked for an appropriate response and, through discussions with our lawyer, Sergio Custodio of Bennett Jones LLP, we have drafted a suggested letter, a copy of which is attached for ease of use.Please ensure you copy the Recreational Dock Owners Society on your response.We would also like to reiterate that it is very important not to be in default of your license. In particular, as we have previously advised, ensure that you pay any invoice you receive from the Port relating to the annual LICENSE FEE. Do not pay the registration fees for their new license. You must also maintain your insurance coverage naming the Port as stated previously, with the limits noted in your license. Your insurance company should send confirmation to the Port.

October 2025

RDOS Update Public Land Use Society

RDOS were approached by Warren Mirko, Executive Director, Public Land Use Society (PLUS) to consider aligning RDOS with PLUS. There is a growing alignment across independent groups in BC around protecting responsible access to public land and water and the goal of PLUS is to coordinate the independent groups and send a clear, collective message to policymakers that public access matters and that organizations across BC are paying attention.Our Executive has met and decided that it would be in the best interests of RDOS to lend our name to their initiative. They would also assist in getting our issue clearly out in the public forum. Attached is a shared statement between RDOS and PLUS. For further information, here is a link to their website - https://publiclanduse.ca/

September 2025

RDOS Update on Dock License Issue

Following legal advice from Bennett Jones LLP, RDOS advises members to pay the new VFPA annual license fee effective July 1, 2025 without accepting the proposed New Form of Licence, and to state that payment does not constitute acceptance of new terms. Members are further advised not to pay registration or documentation fees or sign any related covenant until an acceptable license agreement is reached. RDOS and VFPA legal teams continue active discussions toward resolution.

June 2025

RDOS Legal Update on New License Fees

DOS has received legal advice from Bennett Jones LLP regarding the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s license fee increase effective July 1, 2025. Members are advised to pay the new annual license fee applicable to their location without accepting the proposed New Form of Licence, and to clearly state that payment does not constitute acceptance of the new terms. Legal counsel has also advised not to pay the additional registration and documentation fees or sign the related covenant until an acceptable new license agreement is finalized. RDOS and VFPA legal teams remain in active discussions to resolve outstanding issues related to the New Form of Licence.

April 2025

RDOS Reminder of Paul Lambert Town Hall Meeting Tonight at Old Orchard Hall

The Town Hall is being hosted by Paul Lambert, the Conservative Party Candidate for Port Moody, Coquitlam, Anmore & Belcarra. Paul will update everyone on the work he has been doing advocating for waterfront property owners in Port Moody and Belcarra as well as the broader Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm. We encourage you to attend this meeting to get clarity on the issue. The link to sign up and attend is https://forms.gle/f9msaibjaFrLbWgX8. Please note that this meeting is focused exclusively on Paul Lambert and his views. This is not a forum for Recreational Dock Owners Society issues. Anyone with questions arising from the meeting that you would like to seek clarification from RDOS or any updates, please email them to [email protected]

March 2025

RDOS Clarification Representation and Ongoing Advocacy

This Notice is intended to clarify recent confusion regarding the work being undertaken by the Recreational Dock Owners Society (RDOS) and the independent actions of individuals operating outside of RDOS. While some waterfront property owners, including Dennis Nesbit acting under the Alderside Residents Association, have chosen to pursue matters independently, RDOS believes a coordinated group approach provides the strongest opportunity to achieve a fair and representative license agreement. Dennis Nesbit does not represent or speak on behalf of RDOS, and RDOS information has been distributed without authorization. RDOS has made significant progress over the past two years, engaging key Port stakeholders and advancing discussions toward resolution, and believes it is important that this work not be undermined by misinformation or confusion. At this stage, solidarity is critical: property owners without a license are strongly encouraged not to sign new agreements or pay fees, and existing license holders are advised to continue paying current annual fees under the holdover provisions of their existing licenses without signing new agreements. RDOS continues to assist owners seeking clarity, has responded to over 500 inquiries, and remains concerned about broader developments related to foreshore land control that may impact Port Moody and Indian Arm. RDOS will continue advocating on behalf of all affected stakeholders and will provide further updates as progress continues.

March 2025

RDOS Update on Pender Harbour Developments and Property Rights

Developments related to property rights and potential impacts on waterfront property owners continue to evolve, and RDOS believes it is important to keep Members informed of relevant negotiations occurring in other coastal communities. Of particular note are ongoing discussions in the Pender Harbour and Sunshine Coast area following the renewal of the shíshálh Nation–British Columbia Foundation Agreement and its relationship to dock management and foreshore governance. Two virtual information sessions have been scheduled by the Province and the shíshálh Nation to outline the agreement, its implications, and what it may mean for local residents. RDOS encourages Members who wish to better understand these issues and their possible relevance to our area to consider attending one of these sessions. Further details and access information will be made available through the Government of British Columbia website.

March 2025

RDOS Update on Federal Crown Land and Foreshore Developments

As previously reported, RDOS remains concerned about recent federal developments involving the transfer of Crown land and related governance to First Nations. The federal government’s recognition of Aboriginal title over Haida Gwaii has raised broader concerns regarding future policy direction, particularly with respect to foreshore land, which could have implications for waterfront property owners in Port Moody and along Indian Arm. More recently, the Government of Canada announced a Reconciliation Agreement with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, citing commitments under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP). RDOS is closely monitoring these developments and assessing their potential impact on waterfront access, foreshore control, and property rights, and will continue to keep Members informed as more information becomes available. For additional details, please refer to the federal press release:
https://www.canada.ca/en/crown-indigenous-relations-northern-affairs/news/2025/03/tsleil-waututh-nation-and-the-government-of-canada-sign-a-reconciliation-agreement.html

March 2025

RDOS Update on VFPA License Negotiations and Advocacy

RDOS continues to work on behalf of waterfront property owners along Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm to address the proposed license agreements issued by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA). Since the initial issuance of new licenses in 2023 and the formation of resident advocacy efforts, RDOS has focused on engaging senior decision-makers and advancing discussions between RDOS legal counsel and VFPA legal counsel to address egregious legal terms and identify a fair path forward. RDOS continues to advocate for a representative license agreement that considers existing license holders, properties without licenses, and other affected stakeholders, while also assisting individuals who are uncertain how to respond to VFPA correspondence. RDOS is additionally monitoring broader Crown land and foreshore governance developments that may impact waterfront property rights and will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

January 2025

RDOS Town Hall Zoom Meeting Reminder

We are sending out this reminder of our planned Zoom meeting this evening to provide an update on our License renewal and to inform affected stakeholders of the latest updates from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) and from our RDOS legal representation. If you have not already registered, please register now to participate in the meeting through the link below. You will be asked to register for the meeting, and your registration will automatically be sent to our host to verify that you are a dock owner and on our contact list. If your registration is not verified, the host will send you a response to provide clarification on your identity.

January 2025

RDOS Hosts Zoom
Town Hall Information Session

RDOS apologized for the delay of the previously scheduled January 20 meeting and hosted a Zoom Town Hall information session on January 27 to provide an update on efforts to protect personal property and retain the value of assets regarding the proposed Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) dock licenses and foreshore rights. The information session informed affected stakeholders of the latest updates from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) and RDOS legal representation.

January 2025

RDOS Hosts Zoom
Town Hall Information Session

To protect personal property and retain the value of assets, RDOS hosted a Zoom Town Hall information session to provide an update on discussions with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) regarding proposed dock licenses and foreshore rights. The session included updates from the VFPA and RDOS legal representation, followed by a question-and-answer period

MARCH 2023

VFPA Sends Proposed License Agreements

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Sends New Proposed Licensing Agreement

Port sends proposed license agreements. (Most license holders have signed 1996 license agreements although of approx. 500 waterfront homes some have no license).

APRIL 2023

ARC is Formed

Alderside Residents Committee is Formed

ARC communicates with residents of Port Moody and surrounding areas.

JULY 2023

ARC Hosts Townhall

Alderside Residents Committee Hosts Townhall, Invites VFPA. VFPA Declines Invite.

Alderside Residents Committee invites Jennifer Natland and some other Vancouver Fraser Port Authority reps to attend. Invitation declined by VFPA, 65 in attendance.

AUGUST 2023

VFPA Zoom Meeting Announced

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Announces Zoom Meeting, Invites 21 Stakeholders

VFPA announces they will host a zoom meeting to address the concerns people have. They invite 21 attendees.

AUGUST 2023

ARC Rallies Affected Property Owners

Campaign to Rally Affected Property Owners

ARC distributes notices dock to dock and door to door, to over 200 concerned property owners in the VFPA jurisdiction.

AUGUST 2023

200+ Attend VFPA Zoom Meeting

ARC Campaign Boosts Attendance from 21 to 200+

Due to ARC distribution notices, over 200 attendees on call confirmed by moderator Pam Ryan. The resulting zoom meeting is summarized in that some of the issues with a heavily moderated call were addressed, however many primary concerns were not. Link to meeting.

AUGUST 2023

VFPA Promises Answers to Questions Asked

VFPA Assures Meeting Participants Answers to Questions Asked

Response received late September 2023, with a written transcript of the meeting that occurred with a recorded video was received. No other communication surrounding answers to questions was provided. Link to transcript.

SEPTEMBER 2023

ARC Forms Residential Dock Owner Society (RDOS)

ARC forms RDOS to Ensure All Concerned Property Owners are Included

ARC forms a society, the "Recreational Dock Owner Society" (RDOS) and is actively driving membership to coordinate a single entity to be represented in this matter.

FEBRUARY 2024

RDOS Engages Legal Representation

RDOS Hires Legal Representation and Informs VFPA

Letter sent to VFPA to let the Port Authority know RDOS has engaged representation and requests they issue communications sent to members, to legal counsel as well.

APRIL 2024

RDOS Hosts Townhall Information Sessions

RDOS Hosted Townhalls

Two online townhall events were hosted to inform recreational dock owners of the matters at hand. Missed the townhalls? Click here to view the presentation.

MAY 2024

VFPA invites RDOS to Present the Concerns of Affected Homeowners

VFPA Invites RDOS to Present Concerns

Incoming VFPA CEO, Peter Xotta has agreed to potentially negotiate on the proposed waterfront license agreements and has asked RDOS to submit proposed amendments to the contentious points within the proposed licenses. RDOS begins to collect affected homeowner feedback. Click here to view the RDOS communication update.

JUNE 2024

RDOS Announces Stewardship Role

RDOS Announces Stewardship Role to Support Waterfront Communities

As Waterfront Property Owners we take on the unofficial role of Stewards and monitors of activities on the water in Burrard Inlet within range of our properties. Review the prepared list of just some of the many situations where we provide assistance and ongoing community support.

JUNE 2024

RDOS Launches a Go Fund Me Campaign to Fund Legal Representation for Members

RDOS Launches Campaign to Raise Funds for Legal Representation/Negotiations

In anticipation of legal advice and a legal fund required by RDOS in waterfront license negotiations with the VFPA, RDOS has created this Go Fund Me campaign to raise funds to defend our rights as recreational dock owners. Visit the Go Fund Me Campaign and help us help you.

JULY 2024

RDOS Issues Membership Call to Action Request

RDOS Issues Membership Call to Action Request

A group of volunteers working tirelessly on everyone’s behalf to ensure we have an equitable license agreement for our encroachments in the VFPA jurisdiction. You can do your part in supporting our efforts by joining the RDOS. Click here and join RDOS today!

JULY 2024

RDOS Legal Negotiations Update with VFPA

RDOS Membership Update on Key Issues in Legal Negotiations

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) asked through our lawyer for a list of key concerns with the current proposed License. Click here to review the summarized the key issues presented.

AUG 2024

RDOS Request for Donations to Legal Fund

Donate to RDOS Legal Fund Against Proposed Unfair License Agreement

Support RDOS by joining us for $20, but we also ask that you contribute to our GoFundMe fundraiser to continue building a fund to cover legal costs in negotiating a favourable new license agreement. Click here to learn more about our legal defence fundraising request.

SEPT 2024

Learn About the Latest VFPA Actions Impacting Dock Owners

RDOS Informs Membership About the Latest VFPA Actions

Providing some context to the issue we as Recreational Dock owners face. Highlighting frequently asked questions, comments received at RDOS, informative VFPA facts, Code of Conduct, and more. Click here to learn more.

SEPT 2024

RDOS Meets with RDOS Legal Team

Communication Informing Members About Sept. 23rd Meeting With Our Lawyer, Sergio Custodio

Highlights from meeting with retained counsel, who along with RDOS is focused on creating an agreement that works for the VFPA, the Canadian government and the waterfront property owners. Click here to read the full notice.

OCT 2024

RDOS Efforts Results in VFPA Signing Moratorium

RDOS Legal Counsel Results: RDOS Announces Moratorium on VFPA Signing Dates

We are pleased to advise that through our efforts, the VFPA has agreed to a moratorium on any date to sign and return any new license agreements that have been issued. Click here to read more.

DEC 2024

RDOS Announces January 2025 Member's Townhall via Zoom

Join RDOS on January 20, 2025 for the RDOS Member's Townhall via Zoom

To protect your personal property and retain value of your assets, please join us RDOS for this remote meeting for an update on our discussions with the VFPA on the proposed dock licenses and foreshore rights that can and will affect you. Click here to learn more and book your seat.

DEC 2024

DEC 2024RDOS Addresses Confusion Over VFPA Reminder Letter

RDOS Addresses Confusion Over Dec. 2 VFPA "Private Dock Reminder Letter"

Providing clarity for members regarding the confusion raised over the VFPA December 2 Private Dock reminder letter. Click here for the RDOS Notice 15: Clarifications. Click here for VFPA Dec. 2 Communication

KEY FOCUS: DOCK LICENSE AGREEMENTS

Recreational Dock Owner Proposed License Issues

PROPOSED AGREEMENT ISSUES

  • Licenses are issued for a 10 year period with only one subsequent 10 year license renewal.

  • Fee increase by a factor 15X will be imposed starting 2025

  • Cancellation of license without cause

  • No grandfathering of license to new property owners in the event of a sale of the upland property

  • Removal of boathouse and ramp structures prior to the sale of the upland property

  • Lack of consultation with affected stakeholders by VFPA and being dismissive to our concerns

  • No compensation for the constructive expropriation of waterfront property value

RDOS INITIATIVES

  • Actively driving membership

  • Raising funds for member group legal defense

  • Informing stakeholders regularly of any new updates that may affect them.

Join Us Today

The time is now for us to work together to get fair foreshore rights for all our recreational dock property owner members.

$20 Annual Fee Member Benefits:

  • Advocacy / Representing your concerns to decision making authorities.

  • Clarity / Making things make sense for our membership, keeping you informed.

  • Fairness / Raising our voice to advocate for our members to be treated justly and equitably.

  • Legal / Working together to achieve group representation to benefit us all collaboratively.

WHO ARE OUR MEMBERS?

With road access, without road access, off grid or grid tied, if you own a home with a waterfront dock, your dock's future concerns you.

VFPA JURISDICTION AREAS

Port Moody

Belcarra

Indian Arm / North Vancouver

Indian Arm / Metro Vancouver Electoral Area A

North Vancouver

West Vancouver

Fraser River to Mission Bridge

Port Moody

WHO WE ARE

Meet Our Volunteer Driven Team

Join Us Today

The time is now for us to work together to get fair foreshore rights for all our recreational dock owner members.

$20 Annual Fee Member Benefits:

  • Advocacy / Representing your concerns to decision making authorities.

  • Clarity / Making things make sense for our membership, keeping you informed.

  • Fairness / Raising our voice to advocate for our members to be treated justly and equitably.

  • Legal / Working together to achieve group representation to benefit us all collaboratively.

INQUIRIES

BECOME A MEMBER

Join us today and let's get you the answers you need to make the right decision for your dock's future.

© 2024 RDOS Recreational Dock Owner Society