Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
(Image Credit: City of Kelowna)
By Vernon Matters Staff
Low Levels

Low water levels impacting Okanagan Lake boat launches

Jul 24, 2026 | 12:50 PM

Low water levels on Okanagan Lake are creating challenges for boaters, with several launch sites facing reduced access due to ongoing drought conditions.

The City of Kelowna is warning boaters to plan ahead before launching or retrieving watercraft, saying lower lake levels are increasing the risk of damage to boats, trailers and vehicles at some locations.

Current conditions are affecting water depth needed to safely launch vessels, with the city saying boat launch functionality can change as lake levels continue to decline through the summer.

The Cedar Creek and Sutherland Bay boat launches are already significantly impacted by low water conditions, which could increase demand at the Water Street Boat Launch.

The city is working with the British Columbia government on measures to improve access at the Cook Road Boat Launch, while continuing to monitor conditions across the lake.

Air Conditioners for Seniors
Organization asking for public aid to protect seniors from extreme heat
50m ago
Election 2026
Vernon business owner looking to win seat on City Council
2h ago
Water Shut Off Response
Fruit Growers Association call for plan to support farmers amid water shortage
21h ago

“Current lake conditions are impacting boat launch access throughout the region, reducing the depth of water that some vessels need to launch and placing increased pressure on the launches,” said Bradley Steele, a design technician with the City of Kelowna.

The city is also moving forward with plans to replace and expand the Cook Road Boat Launch. The project includes improvements to the existing launch, construction of a sediment control groyne, a public pier and shoreline restoration work aimed at improving fish habitat.

Permit delays have affected the project timeline, but the city says it is working toward a winter construction start, with completion expected in spring 2027.

by Vernon Matters Staff
View Comments

Other Matters

Air Conditioners for Seniors
Organization asking for public aid to protect seniors from extreme heat
A local organization has asked for aide in making sure seniors stay cool and safe during the summer.Some seniors in B.C. are eligible for provincial assistance accessing a portable air conditioner.However, to fill the gaps and ensure seniors who do not qualify for the provincial program, NexusBC runs its own operation ...
54m ago
Read More
Low Levels
Low water levels impacting Okanagan Lake boat launches
Low water levels on Okanagan Lake are creating challenges for boaters, with several launch sites facing reduced access due to ongoing drought conditions.The City of Kelowna is warning boaters to plan ahead before launching or retrieving watercraft, saying lower lake levels are increasing the risk of damage to boats, tr...
1h ago
Read More
Election 2026
Vernon business owner looking to win seat on City Council
A local business owner will throw his hat in the ring for the upcoming municipal election. David Scarlatescu, owner of the Fig Bistro and co-founder of Millennium Valley Productions, announced he would run in the Local General Election for a seat on Vernon City Council.Scarlatescu has lived in Vernon for the last 20 ye...
2h ago
Read More
Clearer Forecast
Air quality improves across Okanagan after wildfire smoke blankets region
Air quality conditions are improving across the Okanagan after wildfire smoke blanketed much of the region Thursday, creating hazy skies and unhealthy conditions for some residents.Smoke from multiple wildfires burning across British Columbia moved into the Southern Interior, affecting communities throughout the valley...
2h ago
Read More
Municipal election
Local media business leader to run for city council
Local businesswoman Nikki Csek is taking a run at Kelowna City Council in the October election.The founder and CEO of Csek Creative and NowMedia Group, said her campaign isn't the beginning of her service to Kelowna but simply the next way she hopes to serve.She's served on boards, chaired organizations, and volunteere...
19h ago
Read More
Water Shut Off Response
Fruit Growers Association call for plan to support farmers amid water shortage
The province's fruit industry advocacy group has called for a halt in the current water management approach for local agricultural properties. As of July 13, Greater Vernon Water (GVW) was authorized to shut off water service to agricultural properties that had reached their seasonal water allocation limit.B.C. Fruit G...
21h ago
Read More
42-Unit Project
Fees waived for new supportive housing project in Vernon
A new supportive housing project in Vernon will get some municipal support.At their meeting on Monday, July 20, Vernon City Council was asked to waive the Development Cost Charges (DCCs) for the project at the site of the former Polson Park Motel on 24th Avenue.City staff recommended waiving $125,518 in fees and coveri...
22h ago
Read More
New Charge
Man accused in Bailey McCourt killing faces additional charge
The man accused of killing Bailey McCourt is facing another criminal charge.James Plover appeared in court Wednesday on an allegation he breached a no-contact order in Pitt Meadows last September.Plover is already charged with first-degree murder in the death of his estranged wife, who was allegedly attacked with a ham...
23h ago
Read More
Investigation underway
One person deceased after fire at North Okanagan farm
A tractor fire at a farm north of Lumby has claimed the life of one person.At around 2:25 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, police and firefighters were called to a farm in the 1300-block of Trinity Valley Road for a report of an out of control fire.The fire started from a tractor and baler then spread to the fields, nearby tre...
Jul 23, 2026
Read More

What Matters

Air Conditioners for Seniors
Organization asking for public aid to protect seniors from extreme heat
50m ago
Election 2026
Vernon business owner looking to win seat on City Council
2h ago
Water Shut Off Response
Fruit Growers Association call for plan to support farmers amid water shortage
21h ago
42-Unit Project
Fees waived for new supportive housing project in Vernon
22h ago
Investigation underway
One person deceased after fire at North Okanagan farm
Jul 23, 2026