VernonBlog: Study considers boat access

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Study considers boat access

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: March 13, 2010 12:00 PM

Public demand to access local lakes is the driving force behind a proposed study. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee will pursue a consultant to review the current status of boat launches and future needs on Okanagan and Kalamalka lakes. “We need to look at capacities and any environmental impacts,” said director Doug Dirk. “It will be valuable information for everyone.” The terms of reference for the study are an inventory of boat launches, projecting the demand for boat access over the next 20 years, providing recommendations on how to meet public demands and surveying the public to determine satisfaction on boat access. The process will also provide recommendations on how launching facilities should be provided and managed. It’s essentially been determined there isn’t room for additional launches on Kalamalka Lake. “Other than Kekuli Bay, where are you going to go? The options are pretty much zero,” said Al McNiven, parks and recreation manager.

GVAC recently learned that B.C. Parks is considering expanding Kekuli Bay Provincial Park on Highway 97 subject to provincial budget approval. “The plan is to expand parking capacity from 46 stalls to 83 stalls,” said McNiven. These plans come at the same time that some residents have complained about traffic and other issues at the GVAC launch on Kalavista Drive in Coldstream. “Doubling Kekuli Bay will have a big impact and alleviate congestion,” said Dirk. There are also issues on Okanagan Lake, with the Paddlewheel Park launch being extremely busy during the summer. “We’ve seen growth down in that area and that’s increased demand,” said McNiven. It’s anticipated that the boat launch study could cost between $65,000 and $70,000 to complete.

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Don Quixote Note: CORD Study on this same subject can be found at:

Major Lakes Recreation Marine Facilities Study

The Regional District has contracted the team of GHD Solutions, JF Group and Summit Environmental for a consulting services contract for preparation of a Recreation Marine Facilities Study of the three major lakes in the Central Okanagan. The Regional Board has received a detailed final report from the consulting team that has been studying recreational marine facilities on Okanagan, Kalamalka and Wood lakes within the Central Okanagan. The study was developed through extensive public and stakeholder consultation and research. The final report makes a number of recommendations regarding present and future amenities for the boating and marine community in the Central Okanagan. The Board has recommended that the final report be sent to member municipalities for their consideration and response in light of possible financial implications.

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