There’s good news for boaters as another boat launch will re-open for the season Aug. 4, this one at Lake Country’s safe harbour.
However heavy damage from the high waters earlier this year have limited the capacity of the Okanagan Centre Safe Harbour Regional Park and its main boat launch.
The launch and park will open in a limited capacity on Friday, August 4, in time for the BC Day holiday weekend. The safe harbour, has been open for access in rough water through the floods, however the launch has been closed since May 30.
Due to the floods, the parking and shoreline near the boat launch sustained too much erosion and damage to be safe for use. It will require extensive repair and recovery before it will return to full, normal operational use.
The regional district is putting together a recovery plan with the hope that much of the work will be funded by Provincial Disaster Assistance Program.
Boaters should be aware the amount of parking available will be substantially reduced and should they park along Okanagan Centre Road West, obey posted signage and the District of Lake Country requires that you park completely off the travelled portion of the road, along the shoulder to the right of the white road edge line. No parking is allowed contrary to the flow of traffic.
A number of other regional district parks remain closed as a result of erosion damage from flooding and record lake water levels or the ongoing extreme fire danger. For your safety, please stay out of any closed parks.
Violators could be fined $500.
Spring Flood Damage:
• Hardy Falls Regional Park
Park area from main entrance to Highway 97 is open
Trail and bridges to falls viewpoint not anticipated to open this year due to extensive damage to the trail and several bridges. A recovery plan is being prepared for submission under the BC Disaster Assistance Program.
• Mill Creek Regional Park
Not anticipated to open this year due to extensive damage to trails, bridges, parking area and access road. A recovery plan is being prepared for submission under the BC Disaster Assistance Program.
• Fintry Community Park Access #1 (boat launch)
Temporary repairs will be done as water level drops to provide access when it is safe to do so.
Extreme Fire Hazard
• Coldham Regional Park
• Glen Canyon Regional Park
• Kalamoir Regional Park
• Rose Valley Regional Park
• Stephens Coyote Regional Park
• Scenic Canyon Regional Park
• Mission Creek Greenway (Phase 2)
Visitors are reminded that smoking and fires of any kind are not allowed in any Regional Park. Anyone seeing smoke or a fire in a regional park should call *5555 on their mobile device or 9-1-1.
Residents and visitors to the Central Okanagan are encouraged to explore the many regional parks that remain open and are completely accessible. It’s a great opportunity for people to visit a new regional park and check out the unique features, geography and amenities. You can find them at www.regionaldistrict.com/pickapark.