The Cook Road boat launch will close temporarily beginning today to accommodate dredging and the removal of sediment build-up along the north and south lanes of the launch.
Heavy construction equipment will be used along both lanes to remove, de-water and transfer the sand and sediment. Fencing will block off access to both lanes.
Cook Road boat launch operations have been affected by sand and sediment moving northward from the mouth of Mission Creek and into the boat launch area. This has limited the ability of people to safely launch their boats due to the shallow waters.
A longer-term solution is being studied to address issues of sediment and erosion along the foreshore in this area.
“We understand that this temporary closure will be an inconvenience for boaters,” said Arlo Johnson, Building Services Manager. “However, this is one of our primary boat launches and it is important to do this job properly to protect the environment, the infrastructure and ultimately give boaters better access to Okanagan Lake at this location.”
The dredged sand will be used to nourish Rotary Beach which has suffered from gradual erosion for decades. This has been done with previous dredging efforts and has had a positive impact on Rotary Beach in terms of beach stability.
The work is expected to take three to four weeks, depending on how the work progresses. “Every effort will be made to open the boat launch, even partially, when safe to do so,” said Johnson. “Once complete, both lanes of the boat launch area will be available for use by the widest range of boat sizes and shapes, and provide maximum availability during peak periods.”
The City’s other boat launches are open at Cedar Creek Park, Water Street and Sutherland Bay Park.
For more information about the City’s boat launches, visit kelowna.ca/parks.