The Regional District of North Okanagan is navigating turbulent waters over a proposed boat ban on parts of the Shuswap River.
A range of opinions flooded in during public open houses in Enderby Wednesday and rural Lumby Thursday.
“We’re hearing a lot of different views,” said Anna Page, sustainability co-ordinator.
The proposed regulations for the river include no motorized vessels from south Mabel Lake upstream to Shuswap Falls and from Trinity Valley Road upstream to the eastern end of Skookumchuck Rapids Park.
It’s also suggested that there be a vessel engine size limit of 10 horsepower from Mara Lake upstream to Trinity Valley Road.
“A lot are not in agreement and some are not comfortable with it but they recognize something must be done. Those in support were also there,” said Page.
“It’s a good starting point and it shows us there’s a lot of interest and people want to be involved.”
RDNO’s intent is to improve recreational safety, reduce bank erosion, reduce disturbance to salmon spawning grounds and minimize conflicts between river users.
About 242 people attended the meeting at the Enderby Drill Hall and there were about 50 at the Mabel Lake Community Hall.
“People had time to give their input and the (public) process will go on until the end of August,” said Herman Halvorson, rural Enderby director.
Surveys can also be completed online at www.rdno.ca/boating and they will be mailed to property owners adjoining the river in the affected areas.
“The whole goal is to get a feeling for what the community wants,” said Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director.
Halvorson insists that a final decision on the regulations has not been made.
“We will then take a look at it and then see where it goes,” he said of maintaining the proposal as is, amending the plan or scrapping the concept altogether.
If RDNO proceeds with some form of regulations, the final decision will be made by Transport Canada.
