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| morning star file photo |
A dispute at a Vernon beach appears to be near resolution. The Okanagan Indian Band has agreed to the City of Vernon placing barriers on the reserve portion of Kin Beach on Lakeshore Road to restrict vehicles. “Both the safety of pedestrian beach-goers is paramount to the band and the city,” said Chief Byron Louis in a letter to the city. In 2009, the band’s then chief and council asked the city to abandon a $733,000 project that would have addressed safety concerns along the road. Council at the time also decided to close Lakeshore Road from Vernon Creek to Tronson Road but that never occurred. Current band staff recently met with their city counterparts to discuss beach safety and animal control on the reserve portion of the beach. “The band is drafting a bylaw to maintain regulatory guidelines of our shared beach site,” said Louis in the letter. “Once the bylaw is complete, we would like to discuss city support for obtaining bylaw services for Kin Beach by the regional district.” The beach has long had a problem with vehicles on the sand and activities after hours. It’s expected Vernon city council will approve Monday the installation of barriers on the west side of Lakeshore Road. The band will be charged $5,000 for the work. City council will also consider a motion to work with the band to review long-term strategies for road and parking improvements in the area. “Our staff has worked with their staff to co-operate on issues of mutual interest,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky. “We really appreciate their desire to work with us. There are a number of issues at the beach and they recognize them just as we do.”
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