A biologist is urging local politicians to take a long-term view of Okanagan Lake, especially when it comes to urbanization and changes to the foreshore.

“As you see the level of urbanization increase, the associated levels of impact increase,” Jason Schleppe of Ecoscape Environmental Consultants told Vernon city council this week.

Mapping of the massive lake was conducted, in part, to understand the extensive changes and to help facilitate foreshore conservation and restoration.

“As urbanization increases the associated levels of impact increase,” Schleppe said, pointing to single and multi-family dwellings and industrial sites along the lakeshore.

While the biologist said he was not against developments along the lakeshore, he also noted: “Change is happening very rapidly and fish and animals cannot adapt.”

Coun. Brian Quiring, himself a lakeshore owner, took exception to some of the findings and asked for proof the changes were damaging to fish and wildlife.

“We're in a situation where people are being told they can't rebuild their docks,” Quiring said, referring to the damage caused by last spring's flooding.

The councillor said the fish continued to spawn by his land even though he had a dock.

Schleppe said he was not against lakeshore development, but pointed to ways that would not affect the natural environment.

He said land owners needed to be educated so they were aware what their actions could do.

“Where do we want to see our lake 100 years or 150 years from now?” Schleppe asked council.

Coun. Juliette Cunningham said the jurisdictional issue was a huge matter, involving all levels of government.

“Enforcement (of riparian regulations) is almost non-existent,” she said. “The province needs to be providing more resources as does the federal government.”