Make Public Lake Sites

The City of Vernon plans to develop two lake access sites this year — and eight more next year.

Mayor Akbal Mund says the public wants more sites on Okanagan Lake to be opened, which he says hasn’t happened the last few years.

He says the cost could decide which high priority sites get developed first.

“The cost will come in, and we will look at that. Not every access is going to be $50,000. Some may be $150,000. Some may be $30,000. You have to look at the cost of the access itself.”

The city’s plan also includes creating a new parks planner position for two years, at an estimated cost of $230,000.

It also includes hiring a consultant to undertake detailed construction drawings of the eight sites for 2018, at an estimated cost of $40,000.

“You’ve got to go in and survey. There is a lot of work to be done because there’s encroachments at a lot of the sites, and you have to work with the land owners. You can’t just go in and tear everything up,” says Mund.

Bathrooms will not be part of the lake accesses, as it’s not allowed on road right of ways.

One of the strongest supporters on council for proceeding with the plan is councillor Juliette Cunningham.

“We can find all kinds of excuses not to do it (but) I’ve heard people saying move on this, and do as many as you can. We have a growing population and tourism. The more lake access we can provide, it just makes us better,” Cunningham told council.

In addition to improving lake access, design work will begin for a new park on City-owned properties on Lakeshore Road.