Kal Beach in Coldstream (file photo/Vernon Matters)

By Pete McIntyre

'minimal impact'

Group gets approval to exceed noise bylaw for event

Mar 18, 2024 | 6:00 AM

Coldstream residents are being given plenty of notice that they may notice more noise coming from a popular park on one day this summer.

District council has approved a special event exemption request for the Across the Lake Swim Society to use Kal Beach on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 17.

The group has been granted an exemption from the sound amplification provisions in the Parks and Public Spaces regulation bylaw, meaning they will be allowed access to the beach at 5 a.m., and can use “amplified sound” between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. to facilitate their event, a swim across Kalamalka Lake.

More than 100 people are expected at the event which will feature 1.5 km and 4.5 km swim options.

“A similar event was held in the park in 2023 and administration did not receive any complaints,” a staff report from Cheryl Wiebe, community facilities manager, said.

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Society’s plan for Kal Beach on Aug. 17, 2024. (image courtesy of District of Coldstream)

Staff say the sound amplification will be to announce swimmers and swim times and is limited to a single speaker.

“The [society’s] event team is efficient at offering a high-class event with minimal public interference. Given the time of morning (amplification of sound starting at 7 a.m.) and proximity to other houses, administration feels that there is minimal impact,” the report stated.

With the event over by 11 a.m., it’s also felt there will be limited impact to beach users.

The Coldstream swim complements other across the lake events held on Okanagan Lake in Kelowna, Peachland, and West Kelowna as well as Skaha Lake and Cultus Lake.