The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority manages the use of federal port lands and water, leasing their use to terminal operators, tenants, and other port users. As described in the Canada Marine Act, part of our oversight includes conducting reviews and issuing permits for work, projects, and events proposed within our jurisdiction.
Project and environmental review
Through the project and environmental review (PER) process we review and consider potential effects from proposed projects on federal lands and waters, and neighbouring communities before determining if a project should proceed. Proposed projects within the port authority’s jurisdiction cannot begin work unless we issue a permit through our PER process.
We will not authorize or allow a project to proceed if it is likely to result in significant negative environmental effects that cannot be mitigated. Depending on factors including the scope, size, and complexity of a proposed project, our team of experts—including planners, environmental scientists, engineers, and consultation professionals—will assess factors such as:
Should a project be approved, conditions are included in the permit to avoid or mitigate significant impacts on the environment and community.
PER resources
Building permits
Through the building permit process, we work to ensure all structures and buildings in our jurisdiction meet applicable codes and standards. Before issuing these permits, we work with contracted building code consultants and review design drawings and reports to help ensure that development on port land is safe and follows professional standards, meeting the 2020 National Building Code of Canada, the 2020 National Fire Code of Canada, and other applicable codes and standards. Prior to occupancy, we work with building code consultants to ensure that reviews of the work have been completed and properly documented.
- Port authority-issued building permits are generally required for:
- New building construction
- Changes of building use
- Additions and renovations
- Structural modifications
- Interior renovations
- Temporary buildings and/or structures on port property
Issuance of building and occupancy permits are coordinated with our PER process.
Building permit application resources
For more information about our building permit process, please contact our project and environmental review team at per@portvancouver.com or phone 604.665.9047.
Recreational docks
All property owners with a recreational dock within the port authority’s jurisdiction require a licence from us. Those who want to build a new recreational dock or work on their existing dock will also need to obtain a project permit through our PER process.
We define a recreational dock as a structure for mooring boats located immediately in front of an existing residential property. Recreational docks must be for non-commercial, private use only, and our licences grant non-exclusive use of an area.
Licence fees and charges
For shared docks, the annual charge will be split between the users. For example, if your dock is in zone 1 and there are four users, the individual cost per user will be $500 per year plus GST.
There is also a one-time charge and documentation fee to register each updated licence agreement. This charge covers the administrative and registration costs associated with adding a covenant to the licensees’ property.
(District of North Vancouver, Belcarra, Port Moody)
- Single owner: $2,000 plus GST per year
- Shared use: $2,000 plus GST per year per dock facility
(Woodlands, Sunshine Falls, Cascade)
- Single owner: $1,200 plus GST per year
- Shared use: $1,200 plus GST per year per dock facility
(South end Woodlands, Brighton Beach north to Camp Howdy, Cosy Cove, Carraholly Point, Grey Rock Island, Boulder Island in Electoral Area A)
- Single owner: $600 plus GST per year
- Shared use: $600 plus GST per year per dock facility
Recreational docks resources
For questions about recreational dock fees and licensing agreements, please contact realestateinfo@portvancouver.com or phone 236.788.9593.
For more information about our permit process, please contact our project and environmental review team at per@portvancouver.com or phone 604.665.9047.
Land and marine event permits
Companies, groups, or individuals who wish to hold an event on port lands or waters must obtain an event permit from the port authority. We review applications for safety concerns and to ensure port operations will not be impacted by the proposed event.
We are not able to accommodate every event permitting requests we receive. In some cases, a request may fall outside of our permitting authority, such as when someone wants to film or hold an event at a privately owned and operated port terminal. In those cases, applicants must work with the terminal directly to obtain a permit.
Land events
Examples of land events that need a port authority permit include:
Filming
Special events
Short-term parking
How to apply for a land event permit
- Please refer to our Short Term Use Guidelines, which describe event types and the licensing procedures, charges and information required to process an application.
- Use our Filming, Special Events and Parking Application Form to apply for a permit.
If you are interested in using port property that is occupied by a port tenant for these purposes, please contact them directly to make arrangements. Your use of the occupied property requires that you reach an agreement with the port tenant first. The tenant must also obtain the port authority’s consent before confirming, including all agency and regulatory approvals.
If you have any questions about this process, please contact our real estate team at realestateinfo@portvancouver.com or phone 604.665.9196.
Marine events
View navigational jurisdiction
Examples of marine events requiring a port authority permit include:
On-water community events and celebrations
On-water filming
Fireworks
Paddle or dragon boat races
Sailing races or regattas
Yacht club and boating associations events
How to apply for a marine event permit
To apply for a marine event permit from the port authority, create an account on the Pacific Gateway Portal and choose Marine Events.
Please note that False Creek is not part of our jurisdiction. All event permit enquiries for False Creek should be directed to the City of Vancouver.
If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please contact our Operations Centre at 604.665.9086.