CSRD halts enforcement on illegal buoys on Shuswap, Mara Lakes

SALMON ARM, B.C. — Thousands of non-compliant buoys on Shuswap and Mara Lakes will remain where they are after a vote by the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Board of Directors Thursday (April 16).

At its regular meeting Thursday morning, CSRD board members voted to suspend active enforcement of its bylaw regulating buoys, saying the district doesn’t have the authority or resources to continue pulling them out of the water.

“We can’t ignore the issue,” said Acting CSRD Board Chair Kevin Flynn, “but we need to be honest with the public about what the CSRD can and can’t do on its own. Without meaningful involvement from senior governments, continued enforcement causes public frustration and puts local taxpayers at risk without solving the problem.”

The district will still take action if the illegal buoys pose risks to parks, designated swimming areas, boat launches, or CSRD infrastructure.