Image Credit: FILE PHOTO
August 08, 2019 - 1:30 PM
VERNON - Specially designated paddleboard trails could be heading to Okanagan and Kalamalka lakes.
The idea would be similar to the Kelowna Paddle Trail which uses marked buoys to form a 28-kilometre trail for paddleboarders along the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake from Bertram Creek Park to McKinley Beach.
The Regional District of North Okanagan is looking to introduce the paddleboard trails on both Okanagan and Kalamalka lakes, dependent on the board of directors approving the necessary funds in its 2020 budget.
According to a staff report, a paddleboard trail would increase safety by providing a distance and separation between motorized recreational activities and paddleboarders, while also being a boost to tourism.
The report says the trails would be 18 kilometres in length on each lake and marked out by 20 buoys, that would contain signage marking the route.
The project is estimated to cost $72,000.
The Regional District has been given the go-ahead from Transport Canada, provided the trail does not regulate the use of the waterway.
The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee voted to move the project along today, Aug. 8.
— This article was corrected at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019. An earlier version of this story said the Regional District of North Okanagan board of directors was due to vote on the recommendation Aug. 8. In fact, the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee voted on the recommendation Aug. 8, which passed.
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