FILE PHOTO
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Wendy Eiler
January 23, 2024 - 2:04 PM
The Okanagan’s recent cold snap contributed to the sinking or partial sinking of several boats near Manhattan Point, just north of downtown Kelowna.
That’s near the city’s main water intake so to protect drinking water supplies the city has hired Shoreline Pile Driving to start pulling them out tomorrow, Jan. 24, in an operation that will take a few days.
“Vessels will be stored by the contractor for a period of 60 days,” a City of Kelowna news release says. “Costs for removal and storage will apply. If unclaimed after this period, boats will be subject to disposal.”
The new release doesn’t say how many boats are being salvaged but noted most of them were attached to non-compliant moorage buoys.
“Derelict and abandoned boats have increased in part because of the growing number of non-compliant moorage buoys along the lakeshore,” the news release says. “Last year, the city took steps to remove several illegally moored buoys from the lake. The city is continuing these efforts while working to strengthen bylaws and increase enforcement against individuals operating buoys illegally without a valid business license or permit.”
Information collected on the boats will be shared with the Coast Guard and Transport Canada in an effort to identify the owners.
“While the current risk to Kelowna’s water supply is low, sunken vessels are considered an environmental concern and necessary precautions are being taken,” Alan Budde, security and business continuity manager for the city, said in the news release. “Following consultations with the Coast Guard and Transport Canada, the city can proceed with removal to limit potential impacts to the environment and public safety.”
Anyone wanting to reclaim their boats can contact the city by email at propertymanagement@kelowna.ca or 250-469-8610.
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