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By Pete McIntyre

Aquatic trails could be added to local lakes

Aug 8, 2019 | 5:20 PM

The North Okanagan is known for its nature trails — but now the idea for aquatic trails is being floated.

According to a news release from the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, the Regional District of North Okanagan is considering funding in its 2020 budget to create paddleboard trails, using bouys on Okanagan and Kalamalka lakes.

“Providing residents with a trail of this nature would increase safety measures for paddlers by providing distance and separation between other motorized recreational activities, while also adding to tourism amenities in the region,” stated an RDNO staff report.

A 27-kilometre paddle trail already exists in Kelowna on Okanagan Lake.

RDNO staff says the area would be safer for non-motorized vessels, but the goal would not be to keep motorized boats out of those areas.

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“We can’t (under federal regulations) restrict use but Kelowna has noticed a reduction in paddling and motorized vessel conflicts,” said Mike Fox, RDNO’s general manager of community services in the news release.

RDNO will be discussing the idea with Coldstream, Lake Country, Vernon and Kelowna.

by Pete McIntyre
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