Divide the lake by use: Hobson

A Kelowna city councillor thinks we should consider dividing the lake according to use.

Robert Hobson says it may be time to consider looking at guidelines for restricting certain types of activities on Okanagan Lake.

“I’m talking about having areas designated as ‘high activity’ areas for water skiing and such and ‘low activity’ areas that wouldn’t allow speed boats,” says Hobson.

He says there are already federal regulations in place about speeding on the water.

“People are not supposed to drive their boats at certain speeds within 15 metres of shore, but I don’t think a lot of people know that. It’s a safety and noise issue, it makes sense to identify areas that are suitable for certain uses and those that are not.”

Hobson says smaller, reservoir lakes might be good spots to be motorboat-free zones, while other areas would be more appropriate for those who want to water ski.

“It’s something I think we will have to think about as we look at expanding lake front facilities. We have put a proposal to the RDCO to look at future moorage and safe harbour facilities and I think we need to look at the size and location of these in relation to possible conflicts.”

“Many parts of the world divide their lakes according to use and I think it’s time we look at that possibility.”