Fines of $500 are being proposed for parking, selling tickets or otherwise misusing Kelowna boat launches. This one is at Cook Road.
(JOHN MCDONALD / iNFOnews.ca)
July 10, 2021 - 6:00 AM
The growing number of complaints about the improper use of Kelowna’s three main boat launches has forced city staff to call for stiff fines.
Right now, there’s a bylaw with a $100 fine for people who beach or secure watercraft within city parks.
“Over the years, the city has seen an increase in the number of instances of complaints regarding improper usage of the boat launches,” states a report going to city council on Monday. “Complaints range from vehicles and boat trailers being left unattended in the boat launch, to companies using the docks or the boat launches to conduct business and/or customer inspections. This unauthorized usage is decreasing the efficiency of the boat launches and has resulted in 260 services requests over the past six years.”
That total includes 60 complaints last year and 15 so far in 2021.
Staff are asking that the fine be increased to $500 and new infractions be added that will also carry $500 fines.
“Due to the number of infractions and the ability of one user to have a substantial and negative impact on overall boat launch operations, staff feel that a substantial fine is warranted to ensure compliance,” the report says.
If approved, $500 fines can be levied against people who “park or leave a vehicle and/or trailer unattended in a boat launch, provide watercraft operation instruction, sell tickets or conduct business in a boat launch and refuel a boat, aircraft or other watercraft in a boat launch.”
The new rules would apply to the Cook Road, Water Street and Sutherland Avenue boat launches.
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