Penticton and South Okanagan

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Changes underway on Okanagan Lake waterfront

Big changes to the waterfront on the west end of Okanagan Lake are now underway in Penticton.

Most noticeably many of the tall trees on the beach have been taken down, barriers are up and there is less available parking.

But the city wants to reassure residents and visitors that whatever they take down in trees, they will be replacing.

“We will be taking down 27 trees, but we will plant 47 in their place,” said Simone Blais, the city’s communications officer.

The long-standing trees on the beach are a mix of cottonwoods, and a few pines.

Nor should residents be too surprised. After much discussion last year about whether they wanted to lose parking or take up beach space for an improved walkway, the decision was to keep the parking as it was.

“There was a lot of consultation about what do residents want, and it came back pretty loud and clear that they wanted the angled parking maintained ,” said Blais. “So we are striking a balance.”

The work underway now is in preparation for the construction which will follow shortly.

The goal is to continue the construction until the peak tourism season, then take a break and resume in the fall.

The city expects the project, including the tree replanting, to be completed by mid-November.

“We know it is a change to our waterfront and we really hope residents are cognizant of the barriers that are up and where you can walk, because there will be a lot of that in the months to come, “ said Blais.

The current work could also have an impact on the Penticton Ramada Elevator Race, which starts in that area of the beach on Saturday.

"It's frustrating and hopefully we can work with the city to accomodate the race as much as possible," said Lyndie Hill, race director for Hoodoo Adventures, which is holding the event. "As an event director, I always expect there will be last minute challenges to face."

There are expected to be 175 competitors, as well as spectators at the event.