Based on the current rate at which lake levels are declining, the City of West Kelowna Operations Department estimates that the Gellatly Bay and Casa Loma Boat Launches can be safely reopened by Wednesday, July 12th.
The city will be working over the course of the next week to inspect the launches and make any necessary repairs and preparations. Launches may be opened earlier should conditions permit.
Boaters are reminded that lake levels will remain high for several more weeks and are asked to reduce speeds and travel far away from the shore in order to prevent wakes from spilling over or damaging flood protection measures, including those set up to guard public infrastructure, along the lakefront.
See belong for a list of boat launches that are currently open in Kelowna.
Kelowna
Located at 5200 Lakeshore Road, Cedar Creek Park has a boat launch that's only suitable for small boats.
Parking is also extremely limited.
At 500 Cook Road, the launch beside the Eldorado Hotel is open. This is also a busy hot spot and you have to keep an eye out for boat traffic coming and going from both sides of the hotel. Be patient at this spot.
There is also a $5 daily rate that allows you and your vehicle and trailer 24 hours of access.
The cost for single vehicles is $1 per hour.
The parking lot is open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m., seven days a week. Overnight parking is permitted. Parking permits can be purchased for up to seven days at a time at the parking meters.
Single vehicles that park in designated boat trailer spots will be ticketed.
There is also a boat launch access open at 1354 Water Street. However, there is only one lane open.
West Kelowna
There are no boat launches open in West Kelowna.
Due to high Okanagan Lake levels and the damage caused to vulnerable properties, the Gellatly Boat Launch and Casa Loma Boat Launch have been closed until further notice.
To request supervised access to Okanagan Lake, users can contact the City's Parks Department at 778-797-8849.
Peachland
The T Boat parking lot is open in Peachland.
The 8th Street Boat Launch is open. Users are asked to boat with care and cruise away carefully to not disturb shorelines.
Things to remember:
With all the boat launches today, be sure to plan ahead as it will take more time than usual.
Make sure to keep your wakes low, in aiding with the recovery of Okanagan's shoreline and follow the low wake boating guideline.
A boating wake map has also been released by the Regional District of the North Okanagan, showing the three zones: vulnerable shoreline, no wake and low wake of 30 cm/12".
As well, be cognizant of your noise level on the lake, as the Noise Control Bylaw states that no person shall operate a motor boat so as to cause noise which disturbs the peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of the neighbourhood or persons in the area. Noise complaints can be registered here.
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