There is vocal opposition to possibly ripping out Kal Beach’s pier.
It was recently suggested that questionable activities on the pier, as well as flood damage, could lead to the structure being removed. However, Coun. Richard Enns spoke in support of maintaining the dock at Coldstream council Monday.
“It’s a fairly public place so from a safety point of view, it’s one of the better places for young people to gather,” he said.
“People fish off it and people have wedding photos shot there. People are constantly walking on it. To see the dock go is a mistake.”
Many people ignored the closure of the pier due to flooding, while a fight also occurred there recently.
Enns would like the municipality’s tourism committee to consider the possible economic impact if the pier didn’t exist.
The pier recently sustained some damage from high winds and wave action on the flooded Kalamalka Lake, but the extent of the situation won’t be known until the pilings and decking are investigated further.
Coldstream is working with the Regional District of North of Okanagan, which owns the pier.
“If we rebuild it in the same fashion as now, the waves just crash into it. Metre high waves tore it apart,” said Mayor Jim Garlick.
Beyond the pier, Coldstream continues to respond to flooding along Kalamalka Lake.
“The lake is starting to drop visibly now,” said Trevor Seibel, chief administrative officer.
“Any wind events still have the potential to create damage.”
A strategy is being developed for the collection of sandbags, and municipal infrastructure will be assessed, including the integrity of the Kalavista Drive tennis court, which was under water.
“We may have some work to get it back up to speed for the 55+ BC Games (in September),” said Seibel.
