PENTICTON — Gerry Gilligan is strongly opposed to the idea of constructing a day moorage on the west end of Okanagan Lake in Penticton. He’s launching a petition against the proposal and so far, he’s collected more than 160 signatures.
“Introducing motorized boats would certainly destroy the entire area as far as the tranquility that we’ve enjoyed all these years,” he says.
The city is proposing to build a dock, allowing between five and seven slips for boaters.
The moorage construction is part of the S.S. Sicamous master plan to enhance the waterfront and surrounding parks.
Gilligan isn’t opposed to the entire plan, just the part about the day moorage.
However, Penticton mayor Andrew Jakubeit believes it is a good idea.
“On the west side of the lake there isn’t any day moorage,” says Jakubeit. “A lot of people are out on their boats and I don’t think they drive around for eight hours. They’d want to park and get lunch with their family or kids.”
Opponents are concerned it may cause conflict between power boats and other recreational uses. They’re also worried about environmental impacts.
Gilligan believes a day moorage would be better suited at the Kiwanis walking pier, about a kilometre east of the proposed site.
The founder of the S.S. Sicamous Restoration Society, Randy Manuel, fully supports the master plan.
“We’re a waterfront city and don’t provide a place for people to park their boats, then we might as well close up shop,” he says.
The city is inviting residents to a public consultation at the upcoming council meeting on April 20th at 6 pm.
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