Council debates nude beach

Photo: Bill Everitt

Naturists at Three Mile last year

The debate over Penticton's clothing optional beach continues to heat up as council stripped down several options for Three Mile Beach to just two on Monday. 

After some discussion, staff was directed to investigate signage to control clothing optional uses for a portion of the beach and berms and landscaping that would segregate such a use.

Councillor Judy Sentes suggested going this route, saying there had been letters asking for signage.

"If you were to investigate D and E, (the two options), and bring it back that might bring a resolution," she said.

A third option of having the nude beach relocate to an alternative space where neighbourhood acceptance exists was also mulled.

Mayor Andrew Jakubeit was supportive of this one, saying he supported the others but council needs to look at other alternative locations as well.

Sentes did not agree to this amendment, while Councillor Max Picton asked if it would be more difficult to explore three options rather than two.

Director of Operations Mitch Moroziuk responded saying it could be difficult, because they would have to gain public acceptance in a new area. Adding the third would also make this a much longer process.

Ultimately, the council voted unanimously to go with the two, suggested by Sentes.

The council discussion took place, following a presentation by Kevin Proteau with the 3-Mile Naturist Beach Committee and Judy Williams from the Wreck Beach Preservation Society.

Proteau stressed the beach has a long history of being clothing optional and discussed the benefits of signage.

Williams talked about her work trouble shooting for other nude beaches and presented a video by the Miami mayor on the economic benefits brought in by naturists.

"You have a win win situation if you can accommodate clothing optional use at your beach," she said. "I kid you not it is big business around the world."

Frustrated neighbours told Penticton council in early February there will be no compromise when it comes to use of Three Mile Beach.

A delegation including Cary Pinkowski, owner of private property next to the beach, and neighbour Matt Fraser said in no uncertain terms they want their neighbourhood back.

The neighbours claim there have been ads of a sexual nature regarding the beach and evidence of sex acts found there.

The naturists, who used a private portion of the beach for years, before moving to the public beach last summer when no trespassing signs went up, say they simply enjoy using the beach.

They have emphasized all along that lewd acts do not take place and that their footprint on this beach is very light.

Interim City Manager Chuck Loewen said the report on the matter should be available at the first council meeting in April.