The group that owns the land where the Paddlewheel Park boat launch is located on Okanagan Lake, is not keen on seeing more parking added. The Okanagan Landing Community Association says there's already environmental conflicts between swimmers and boats in the form of exhaust fumes, and gas leaks in the water. President Victor Cumming says a long term solution is to relocate the boat launch "significantly away" from the beach, "preferably downwind." Cumming says they're also opposed to taking-out the tennis and volleyball courts to make room for more boat trailers, saying those facilities are well used. Cumming calls it a "very hot issue" with the Landing board and its members, and sums up his remarks by saying, "We look forward to proposals that do not including turning one-quarter of the parking into a parking lot for tow vehicles and park trailers." The comments are part of a letter to a consultant that's looking into the boat launch issue. NORD staff will be meeting with the association to discuss its concerns on Monday night.Photo: Paddlewheel Park
3 comments:
It's time that a boat owner's association was formed to: 1. advocate for the development of their chosen hobby, and 2. fund raise so they can purchase their own properties where ever they think best.
If the Tea Party movement has taught us anything, it is that relying on taxpayers to fund everything is coming to an end. Time to hold a bake sale!
Hey Nick perhaps you should reconsider your run for councillor. Anyone that considers the boating industry and the over 50 million a year it brings into the Okanagan economy a "hobby" probably isn't qualified to run a government.Being a numbers guy I would think you would do a little research before commenting in public....back to your drawing board.
Can't wait to see how life in Lumby will improve without taxpayers!
But seriously folks, in terms of danger/nuisance to swimmers, perhaps the Association could investigate the ever-increasing number of boats that are moored on buoys, just outside of that marked swimming area?
Wouldn't you rather enjoy a nice, unobstructed view of the lake from the beach, rather than a flotilla of moored boats?
So many moored boats are not only an eyesore, they also make it more difficult for boaters to get in and out of the launch during busy times, and impact the views, safety and enjoyment of the Paddlewheel swimming area.
As far as I understand, Parks and Rec leases some of the property, owns some of it (eg. tennis courts), and maintains and makes improvements to it (e.g last year's improved boat launch, children's playground equipment, etc).
According to the Association's website, they considers Parks and Rec to be their partner in the maintenance and operation of Paddlewheel Park for the benefit of all Greater Vernon residents.
I have no problems with the Association expressing its concerns in hopes of finding a mutually agreeable solution, but I cannot support demanding a change, without suggesting a viable alternative.
In terms of long-term solutions, I note Vernon's new Waterfront plan already includes two potential new launch sites on Okanagan Lake.
In the meantime, saying NO to increasing parking for boat trailers at Paddlewheel Park is not a solution.
I hope the Association is prepared to work together with Parks and Rec to fully consider all options and impacts to all users, not only swimmers. Let's examine the results of the Boat Launch Study, which show how well-used this launch is, and how much of a need there is for parking.
Let's consider all possible alternatives, associated cost implications, and environmental impacts - perhaps Parks and Rec could acquire adjacent properties to build additional parking?
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