Okanagan Lake beaches restricted but Skaha Lake’s beaches ready for the long weekend

PENTICTON – City efforts to mitigate flood damage on Okanagan Lake in Penticton has resulted in limited access to the lake along Lakeshore Drive, but Skaha Lake beaches are clean, clear and ready for the long weekend.

Portions of Okanagan Lake beach have been protected from potential flood damage, reducing access to part of the beach, the city says in a media release.

Once construction of the gabion wall is complete, the public will be able to use the beach on Okanagan Lake from the SS Sicamous to the Peach, in between the gabions and walkway.

Direct access to the water on the Okanagan Lake shoreline will be restricted due to the height of the gabion baskets, but water access will remain open at the SS Sicamous, from the stairs opposite 274 and 434 Lakeshore Dr. West, along the side of Rotary Park from the ramp on the north side of the Peach to the Romp statue and at Marina Way Beach, the city says.

The gabion wall is expected to remain up until high water recedes to the point where wave action will not damage city infrastructure.

The city beaches at Skaha Lake have no restrictions and are currently in excellent condition.

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