Boating

Boating restrictions a possibility on parts of Kal Lake

Apr 4, 2019 | 4:40 PM

Boating activity along the north and south ends of Kalamalka Lake could be limited if recommendations by the Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Partnership are adopted.

The organization has classified the two regions as sensitive shorelines and say that motorized boating activity in those areas could impact water intakes and the environment.

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The group told the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee that power boats can cause sediment re-suspension in shallow areas which can cause bacteria, heavy metals, pesticide residue, and hydro carbons to enter water intakes.

The Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Partnership is recommending a no wake or low wake zone in those parts of Kalamalka lake.

A similar restriction that stretches 28 km is in place in Kelowna from McKinley Beach to Bertram Creek Park.

Part of that restricted stretch has been designated for paddle boarding by the City of Kelowna and it is something that the Regional District is exploring as a possibility for the sensitive shorelines along Kalamalka lake.

“Greater Vernon Parks has been talking with Kelowna and seeing how they got the paddle board buffer put in, ” said Mike Fox General Manager of Community Services.

More designated swimming areas could also be a possibility along sensitive areas in Kalamalka Lake.

The Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Partnership are expected to present once again to the Greater Vernon Advisory Commitee at a later meeting.

In the meantime, the group said that they will continue to educate the public on the impacts of motorized boating on the shoreline.