Vernonites wanting Okanagan Lake accesses kept public are being urged to wade into the debate. Jim Love and Bill Dunsmore are organizing a swim-in at the Delcliffe Road access Saturday at 1 p.m. as a way of showing support for the city's plans to upgrade facilities at the site. "People have a right to go for a swim," said Dunsmore. Some Delcliffe Road residents have opposed the city's proposal, saying it will lead to noise, parties and traffic problems. In fact, three residents adjacent to the site have applied to the provincial government to cancel the city's 874-metre road right-of-way so they can purchase it. That move has upset Dunsmore and Love. "Instead of trying to keep the unwashed masses from this lovely beach, Delcliffe residents should be encouraging the enhancement of this local beach for everyone," said Love. The city will oppose any attempts to undermine its ownership of the right-of-way, saying that it was established to provide the public with access to the lake. For Dunsmore, the city has no choice but to defend its rights. "This is a keystone issue for B.C. If someone can challenge this right-of-way and buy it, others will too," he said. The event Saturday will consist of children's games and swimming. "The idea isn't to be confrontational but to make people aware about what they stand to lose," said Dunsmore. Love is hopeful that the swim-in will draw considerable interest. "By spending an hour or two at this beach, we will be sending a message to locals and to city hall that Vernonites value their public beaches," he said. One of the residents seeking to purchase the Delcliffe site would not comment about the swim-in. "It's not really something I'll react to," said Gary Strother. Strother and the other applicants claim that the right-of-way was set aside for road and the city's proposal is actually for park.
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Swim-in at the Delcliffe Road access Saturday at 1 p.m. AUG 26
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