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Okanagan Centre safe harbour launch closes

Regional district announces closure of the last of its two boat launches on Okanagan Lake
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The Okanagan Centre Safe Harbour Regional Park (and boat launch) have been closed. - Image: Facebook/District of Lake Country.

As Okanagan Lake continues to rise, the Regional District has now closed its final two boat launches.

Okanagan Centre Safe Harbour Regional Park on Okanagan Centre Road West in Lake Country is closed as it is no longer safe to use the launch and dock infrastructure.The protected harbor remains open for boaters that may need to seek shelter from high winds and inclement weather.

As well, the small boat launch and dock located at Fintry Community Park Access #1 at the end of Fintry Delta Road is now closed as it too is inaccessible due to extremely high Okanagan Lake water levels.

Killiney Beach Community Park including the boat launch remains closed to all visitors, with limited vehicle access through the park for waterfront properties which are on Evacuation Alert.

The Regional District has also decided to close the following regional parks until further notice as a result of flooding:

Glen Canyon Regional Park from the Acorn bridge downstream to the Gellatly Road parking area and from the Constable Neil Bruce entrance upstream to the Covington Crescent entrance at Last Mountain Community Park. Hardy Falls Regional Park and Mill Creek Regional Park are also closed.

“Unfortunately, the decision to close these parks may impact some of our previously scheduled programs in the coming months,” said communications officer Bruce Smith. “Our parks programming staff is working to if needed, hold the programs planned for these three parks in other parks. If that’s not possible, then we may have to cancel those programs. A few of these programs are listed in our new Summer-Fall Parks Guide. Our staff will let people know about the status of any program affected by these closures when they inquire or register.”

As the threat of flooding continues, people are reminded that there could be unexpected increases in water levels along area creeks and streams. Visitors and leashed pets should stay back from creek banks, which can be slippery and subject to erosion.

“While these parks are closed, the Regional District encourages residents to visit many other regional parks that are not affected by flooding and rising waters. You can view them at www.regionaldistrict.com/pickapark.”

Regional Parks staff is monitoring creek levels in all these areas and when safe will be assessing the condition of bridges, trails and other amenities in many parks. Should conditions change affecting public safety, parks may be closed on short notice.