There’s no clear direction on a proposed motorized boat ban on parts of the Shuswap River.
Regional District of North Okanagan staff and politicians have begun analyzing public surveys submitted to date on possible boating regulations.
“The results are pretty close,” said rural Lumby director Rick Fairbairn.
When it comes to limiting the vessel engine size to 10-horsepower from the mouth of the lower Shuswap River at Mara Lake to Trinity Valley Road, 41 per cent of electronic survey respondents agreed and 57 per cent disagreed.
The proposed ban on motorized vessels from Trinity Valley Road to the eastern (upstream) end of Skookumchuk Rapids Park had 42 per cent in favour and 47 per cent opposed.
And for the planned ban on motorized boats from the mouth of the mid-Shuswap River at Mabel Lake south upstream to Shuswap Falls, 43 per cent agreed and 42 per cent disagreed.
The remainder of the respondents in all categories were undecided.
As of June 17, 1,065 electronic surveys had been completed and 118 paper copies filled out.
Based on the results to date, Anna Page, sustainability co-ordinator, admits that determining the final outcome this fall could be difficult.
“We may have to look at some kind of compromise and changes to get increased support.”
The survey is open until Aug. 28 online and regional district staff will also be at community events to make residents aware of the ongoing process.
Herman Halvorson, rural Enderby director, has been getting lobbied by those who want a motorized boat ban and those who are opposed to rules.
“I’ve taken a zero stance either way. I’m dead set in the middle and that’s the way I’ll stay until I get all of the information,” said Halvorson.
“It will be the will of the people.”
