Update: Two Boat Launches Reopen

Update : 12:15 pm

Paddlewheel Boat Launch to open on Friday

The Regional District of North Okanagan will be reopening the Paddlewheel Park boat launch effective Friday, July 21.

Gates will be open by 8 am and regular operating hours will be in effect.

The launch is typically busiest between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, so launching outside of these hours may result in a reduced wait time.

The Regional District reminds boaters to complete their pre-launch preparation outside of the boat launch area, and be courteous to fellow launch users.

Boaters are also cautioned to watch for debris in the water as a result of the recent flooding and high water levels, and reduce speeds near shorelines as water levels remain high.

Update 11 am:

The District of Coldstream has announced its main boat launch is ready to reopen.

The facility on Kalavista Drive will open Friday morning (July 21).

Kinloch will remain closed for now.

“Minor repairs need to be completed to ensure the safety of the users of the boat launch. The District will strive to get Kinloch open as quickly as possible,” says District CAO Trevor Seibel.

WestKal will also remain closed for the foreseeable future due to significant structural damage that needs to be repaired.

Boaters are reminded there is a fee to park at the Kalavista Boat Launch parking lot and that car-topper parking passes are required.

For more information, go to http://www.coldstream.ca/content/parks-recreation-and-culture#PayParking or call 250-545-5304 or info@coldstream.ca

Boaters are asked to make “NO WAKE” to minimize damage to the shoreline and private infrastructure from wave and wash action. Natural debris floating in the lake continues to pose a safety concern.

Photo: Kalavista boat launch

Earlier story:

Some of the boat launches on the north end of Kalamalka Lake could reopen soon.

The three facilities in Coldstream have been closed since the May long weekend due to the high lake levels, which caused some damage.

Coldstream’s C-A-O Trevor Seibel says he’s getting an update on the levels and the condition of the launches.

“We’ve got varying degrees of problems on the launches, but obviously our objective is to get them open as quickly as we can.”

Seibel says the lake is still higher than it normally would be at this time of year and it’s an issue of safety.

Seibel says the Kalavista launch may be ready to reopen, but the one on Kinloch Drive may need some repairs.

“Once we get that assessment we know what we’re dealing with, we will lay out a plan for when and how and get that information out to the public.”

The provincial boat launch in Kekuli Bay Provincial Park has been closed since late June.