By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 11, 2009 6:00 PM
The prospect of a popular beach being blocked has officials preparing alternatives for sun-seekers. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee will install signs so the public is aware of seven beachfront lots on Lakeshore Road, partly because of the Okanagan Indian Band’s threat to close part of the road. “Signage will be important so people know there is access there,” said director Mary-Jo O’Keefe. The Okanagan Indian Band council recently decided to close Lakeshore Road because of a land dispute, although no action has been taken yet. Both sides of Lakeshore from Tronson to the creek, including the beach (not Kin Beach Park), are part of the Indian reserve. The band states it never extinguished ownership over the land the road is on.
If a closure were to occur, O’Keefe believes the seven lots which are to the south of the creek could fill the void for sunbathers and those wanting to swim. “They are very good public access. They’re not well signed or maintained so people don’t know they are there,” she said. Presently, there are no picnic tables or other amenities at the sites. “We mow the weeds down when they need to be mowed down,” said Al McNiven, general manager of parks and recreation. O’Keefe anticipates increased demand will ultimately lead to more infrastructure being in place. “In the future, I’d like to see them made into attractive, park-like settings,” she said. GVAC also owns one other property on Lakeshore Road but there is still a house there.
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