Lululemon founder causes controversy among neighbours, environmentalists with massive dock proposal

Friday, January 23, 2015, 4:49 PM - Chip Wilson, billionaire founder of athletic apparel company Lululemon, has some residents and environmentalists worried over his proposal to build a 2,500-square-foot dock on his waterfront property near Sechelt, B.C.

The proposed dock -- which is larger than the average-sized home -- would be able to accommodate a 14-metre yacht, two seven-metre boats as well as a number of smaller vessels, the CBC reports. It also includes a 3,000-square-foot breakwater that would protect the structure from dangerous storms.

Neighbours say they're worried the dock will pose a danger to swimmers and paddlers in the area. Concerns have also been raised about welfare of the marbled murrelet, an endangered bird species that feeds on eelgrass situated near the dock.

A document submitted to government officials on Wilson's behalf says the dock has been designed to avoid the eelgrass bed and that environmental concerns have been mitigated.

The B.C. government will make the final decision on whether or not the dock can be made. 

A representative for Wilson declined to comment on the status of the proposal.