The best fix for traffic problems around Kalavista Road’s boat launch is to get rid of it completely, according to some residents.
Eight recommendations were discussed by approximately 60 Coldstream residents at a public meeting Wednesday. The recommendations were made as potential solutions to fix the congestion problems in and around the Kalavista boat launch.
But several residents say none of them will fix the problems and that the best solution is to get rid of the launch completely.
While Coldstream does not have the authority to get rid of the boat launch, it can appeal to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, which administers the boat launch. Any GVAC recommendation would then need North Okanagan Regional District approval.
Although nearby residents may be adamant about removing the boat launch, that is just one option Coldstream council could consider on Oct. 27.
Taking all of the comments and suggestions into mind, a report from Wednesday’s meeting will be presented at the next council meeting.
Michael Stamhuis, Coldstream director of engineering services, will be compiling the report and coming up with a recommendation since he chaired the boat launch meeting.
The meeting, which approximately 60 people attended, took more than three hours to conclude.
“Probably the best word to describe it is ‘raucous,’” said Stamhuis, adding that it was a bit of a challenge to chair.
“People had a lot to say.”
The meeting was open to the public, but letters were only sent to approximately 120 property owners in the area.
Those who attended had a chance to let others hear their concerns and suggestions, while everyone was given a survey form to fill out and write an opinion for each of the eight initial recommendations.
The recommendations, from the traffic safety committee, range from expanding the existing boat launch parking by relocating the tennis courts, to charging for parking and altering the current parking allowances in the area to improve safety.
“The one item that was universally panned was to relocate the tennis courts and expand the existing parking,” said Stamhuis, who wasn’t surprised, as that option was never seen as viable.
“A lot of people focused on that, so there was certainly some emotions around that at the meeting,” said Stamhuis.
Several residents were also adamant that some of the suggestions would only add to the problem.
“Anything we do to increase the capacity of that launch would increase problems and the nuisance factor in that area,” said Stamhuis, of the impression he was getting.
Stamhuis says residents are undoubtably more frustrated with the boat launch situation due to increased use of the launch. He points to the summer’s steady economy which saw a number of tourists in the area, Kekuli Bay boat launch being packed and therefore sending launchers elsewhere, as just a few of the reasons for increased use.
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