Plans to expand a marina on Kalamalka Lake is generating considerable debate.
Oyama’s Tween Lakes Resort has applied to the provincial government to construct two docks with 66-slips. A future phase two would lead to a third dock with 16 boat slips.
“We want to replace our existing slip, which is in poor shape,” said Ed Thiessen, Tween Lakes dock committee chairperson.
“We want to meet the needs.”
The resort had 40 slips until one dock was removed.
While the provincial government considers the proposal, the District of Lake Country is suggesting it be denied because of proximity to a water intake.
“I have had some concerns from residents. In Oyama, we are feeling the effect of boats on Wood and Kal lakes,” said Owen Dickie, Lake Country councillor.
“We should look at a load study to see how many boats should be on the lakes.”
The Tween Lakes plan will be discussed at Coldstream council’s committee of the whole meeting Tuesday.
“We want to look at it a little more closely,” said Coldstream Mayor Jim Garlick.
“There is the issue of water quality in Kal Lake. The water flows to the north in the lake.”
Louise Christie, with the Society for the Protection of Kalamalka Lake, points out that Kalamalka Lake is a main water source for much of Greater Vernon.
“Another 82 boats on the lake, we don’t need that,” she said.
However, Thiessen insists Tween Lakes has done its due diligence and the marina will generate little impact on the surroundings.
“It looks like a viable project from an environmental standpoint,” he said.
A consultant working for Tween Lakes look at the project and the potential impact on fish habitat.
“Existing habitat information and date, including observations made by an experienced aquatic biologist, indicate that the shoreline and lake bottom within the dock replacement location, provides poor habitat conditions for kokanee and does not support habitat for critical life stages such as spawning or rearing,” states the Tetra Tech EBA report.
It’s not known when the provincial government may make a decision on the application, however, Tween Lakes hopes to proceed with the marina in early spring.
