A request to occupy a section of the north end of North Chesterman Beach and Shell Beach for commercial use has been submitted to the Province of British Columbia. The License of Occupation Management Plan states that the occupation of approximately 250 square meters of North Chesterman Beach and 535 square meters of Shell Beach is to “operate 2 event spaces for [hotel] guests and local community for events such as, but not limited to, community fundraising, celebrations, weddings and private outdoor dining events” up to a 50 (North Chesterman) and 80 (Shell Beach) person capacity. The Management Plan also states that the intended use of this space is to provide a “unique outdoor dining experience” to paying clientele.  

This application is currently accepting comments from the Public for the next 36 days. Commenting will close on February 23, 2023. Surfrider Pacific Rim will continue to engage in communications with the involved parties and present an official statement and letter of recommendation at the next council meeting on January 24th, 2023.

We strongly oppose any commercial threat of access to the coastline. Approval of this application sets a dangerous precedent that multiple parts of the beach can be commercialized.

Both North Chesterman and Shell Beaches stand on unceded Tla-o-qui-aht territory. We call on the Government of British Columbia to make public the redacted information in this application regarding First Nation Consultations. North Chesterman Beach is an actively used public site, enjoyed daily by many residents and visitors. Shell Beach, as it is, has almost no public access, which already raises questions around equal beach access. Surfrider Pacific Rim strongly advocates for public beach access. 

Surfrider Pacific Rim stands firm in its commitment to publicly accessible beaches and against any disposition of these locations. 

We urge the Surfrider Pacific Rim network of supporters to submit your comments to the Province of BC and help us stop the quasi-privatization of North Chesterman Beach and Shell Beach.

Click the link above to submit your commentary now and/or email Daniel Scholey-Authorization Specialist, South Island Natural Resources District, MoF at Daniel.Scholey@gov.bc.ca.