Penticton city council to look at designated launch areas for non-motorized watercraft

PENTICTON – Launching a personal, non-motorized watercraft into Okanagan Lake could become more complicated in Penticton if council approves a staff recommendation at tomorrow’s meeting.

City staff is seeking council’s approval to install three non-motorized boat launch sites along the Okanagan Lake waterfront.

The idea is to provide safe places to access the waterfront, as it is currently in contravention of the parks bylaw to launch a non-motorized boat at a designated swimming area on the city’s beaches. The launch sites would accommodate such watercraft as kayaks, canoes, and standup paddle boards.

Launches being considered on the lake west of the rock groin at Marina Way Beach, at Rotary Park west of the Pier Water Sports lease area and along the west side of the SS Sicamous. The three sites are close to boat rental outlets, and have adequate parking and access for boats to be dropped off.

Additional signage and buoys would be needed along the beach. The installation of non-motorized boat launches is not expected to impact the 2017 parks capital budget.

Council is expected to make a recommendation at the regular meeting tomorrow, May 2.

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