Should there, or should there not, be motorized vessels on sections of the Shuswap River?
Or should other restrictions be placed on the waterway?
A consultant will work to provide solutions.
After coming under considerable heat from the public, the Electoral Area Advisory Committee’s recommendation to hire a consultant to work with First Nations, community groups, and local organizations to review options for the entire river was passed unanimously by electoral area directors.
That was a no-brainer.
It’s an issue that is almost split right down the middle between those who want some restrictions placed on the river for issues like safety and bank erosion, to those who want to continue enjoying the river for the recreation pleasures it provides.
The Regional District of North Okanagan has been looking at implementing bans on motorized vessels from south Mabel Lake upstream to Shuswap Falls, and from the Trinity Valley Road upstream to the eastern end of Skookumchuk Rapids Park.
There was also a call to limit engine sizes to 10 horsepower from Mara Lake upstream to Trinity Valley Road.
“It would be unfair if we did not pursue this situation and bring it to a conclusion,” said Herman Halvorson, director for Rural Enderby, who made the motion to hire the consultant after taking the most heat on the subject.
It’s a good thing cooler heads prevailed in this situation as the river is there for everybody. It’s now up to the consultant that’s hired to work with groups and provide solutions.
