Shuswap homeowners urged to be careful with repair work

Shuswap homeowners with waterfront properties are urged to be careful about repair work  in beach areas as the high water recedes.

The Shuswap Lake Integrated Planning Process, a multi-agency government organization that oversees development in the Shuswap, issued a press release warning homeowners about the risks of doing unapproved work in riparian areas.

As the high water recedes, some people are discovering damage to their properties and shorelines, including to retaining walls and docks.

“It’s important for property owners to understand that the shoreline – the entire area between the high water mark and the water – is not private property, it is property of the Crown. That means that property owners are not authorized to do certain kinds of work on the shoreline (below the high-water mark) without receiving approval first,” said Andy Oetter, manager with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

Property owners must contact Front Counter B.C., a one-stop government portal for inquiries and authorizations, including for work near water. Authorization is required to repair buildings or retaining walls in shoreline areas, remove vegetation or dredge, or to fix boat launches or docks.

Failure to get approval could lead to enforcement action, which often requires individuals to restore areas to conditions as they previously existed. Patrols will be out on the lake through the long weekend looking for violators.

Property owners can find more information about working near water and shorelines, including contact information and directions for controlling lakeshore erosion, on the SLIPP website at www.slippbc.com

Meanwhile, Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod said Friday those affected by severe flooding can apply for relief from the Canada Revenue Agency if they are having trouble paying taxes because of the floods.

“Severe weather conditions can prevent Canadians from meeting their tax obligations,” said McLeod. “Recently, Canadians from several regions, including ours, have had to rebuild because of severe weather events. Our taxpayer relief provisions ensure that all Canadians receive fair tax treatment, while they are recovering from the damage resulting from flooding.”

Taxpayers who have questions about the CRA’s taxpayer relief provisions can find information on the CRA website at www.cra.gc.ca/taxpayerrelief, or call the CRA at 1-800-959-8281.