Kalamalka Beach Pier Future In Question

The Rotary Pier at Kal Beach may not have a long future — if people continue to use it for illegal activities.

Greater Vernon Advisory director Jim Garlick says a recent fight on the pier was just the latest incident, along with drinking and other conflicts.

“We can spend a lot of money on patrolling it but when you have a large group of people doing that out there it’s intimidating and it’s very unsafe for a bylaw officer.”

GVAC Chair Juliette Cunningham says it’s a chance to investigate the concerns.

“A lot of conflicts I think with the different users on there. You have younger kids and adults kind of conflicts. In this case now we’re experiencing a lot of night time activity.”

The pier is currently closed due to the high water, but that hasn’t stopped hundreds of people from using it daily.

Garlick says the dock is also costly to repair and a liability as far as injuries that occur.

“We just have to let the public know that there are these concerns out there. Is it something we keep or do we get rid of it if it needs major repairs and investments in the future.”

Juliette Cunningham says they will take take a closer look at the problems, and look at alternatives.

“There could be other opportunities for activities there as they have in Kelowna that the private sector could perhaps provide an activity that would enhance the use of the beach”

Director Akbal Mund has similar concerns, and says the health and safety of people using the dock have to be the most important consideration.