Some major improvements are on stream for a popular Enderby attraction on the Shuswap River.
The Enderby and District Services Commission is spending between $51,000 and $55,000 on a hand launch by the chamber of commerce office.
“It will be improved for safety,” said Herman Halvorson, commission director.
The launch, expected to be completed mid-October, will feature a concrete pad to better launch tubers.
The launch will also feature improved accessibility for the disabled.
“About 5,000 people launch there every year,” said Halvorson.
The problem with the site is its history is starting to reveal itself, and causing some dangerous issues.
The launch used to serve as the main docking site for river boat traffic.
“The tug boats used to come up in the early 1900s,” said Enderby Mayor Greg McCune.
Therefore rebar and some ancient artifacts litter the location.
“There’s lots of China believe it or not,” said McCune.
“And when one of the hotels burned down part of that ended up in the river.”
Halvorson adds: “There is metal and stuff poking around the water so we have a liability issue.”
Enderby is also looking at ways to further clean up the river and will host a meeting Oct. 17 at 3 p.m. to clean up garbage and debris in the water.
“We will see if we can come up with some solutions to make it better,” said McCune.
And this likely isn’t the last improvement on stream for the site, as officials are looking at further options.
“We’re going to look at adding to that area with air pumps,” said McCune.
