Photo: Rachel Von Hahn

Should 2 Coldstream boat launches be converted for non-motorized watercraft?

With the future “health and well-being of Kalamalka Lake” in mind, the District of Coldstream's tourism committee has come up with some controversial ideas which may not be popular with some boat owners.

Coun. Glen Taylor said recommendations being sent to council include the proposed closure of two of the district's three boat launches to motorized vessels and their conversion for use by non-motorized watercraft only.

The two boat launches in question are on Westkal Road and Kinloch Drive. Both were damaged by spring flooding and not operational this summer.

“Council asked the tourism committee to discuss the future of the two launches,” Taylor said, admitting the proposals could be controversial. “These two launches don't give good access for motorized watercraft and we are proposing they be converted.

“Non-motorized use is becoming more and more popular on the lake and we have to look to the future.”

If accepted, the move would leave Coldstream with one launch for power boats at Kalavista Park.

Taylor said another recommendation expresses concern “about the health and well-being and the future of Kalamalka Lake as it pertains to the environment and water quality.”

In June, local politicians were presented with a study of Kalamalka and Wood lakes that recommended key commuting corridors for power boats to protect water quality as well as the shoreline from further erosion.

The mayors of Coldstream and Lake Country are expected to hold talks in the coming months on the issue.