Citizens First plan for Skaha
Editor’s note: This is the final part in the series. Thanks to Peter Osborne for sharing his work.
Now let’s go back to Skaha Lake Park. This park has a special ambiance, different from all the other parks. It is one we share with other critters and birds. We protect the critters such as the endangered painted turtle, slide turtles, our blue heron and approximately 130 different species of birds. The birds have a sanctuary just down the road at Vaseux Lake.
Skaha Lake is now a nursery for the success of the sockeye salmon. The salmon are a gift of many million dollars to this community of which we have not committed a cent. The salmon and our Indigenous partners deserve to see some response and respect in our responsibilities regarding this lake. To do that, we need facts to work from. First of all, realize that half the waterfront at the marina belongs to the B.C. government. It is leased to the City; therefore, it is not part of the park.
It seems that lease has been abused. Liquor has been served without a license. Landfill has been put in this area which confuses the lot lines and calls building placement into question and has probably encroached on the riparian area. That needs to be rectified.
In an early survey done by Urban Systems, citizens preferred day use, which was identified as ramps. The area behind the marina building is parkland. History tells me that generally this area was a wood lot for our Indigenous partners.
What are the considerations that come with any proposals? To name a few, no loss of green space, improved sight lines, legal, functional buildings, clean water safe for people and fish.
There is a plan, proposed by Penticton Citizens First.
The plan takes into consideration the city’s concerns about the cost of maintenance on the buildings and replacing the dilapidated docks.
Removing moorage satisfies the concerns of the Federal Fisheries Act and the Invasive Species Regulations. It would show respect for the efforts of the Okanagan Nation Alliance and their work to bring back salmon to our lake.
This in no way stops power boats from using the lake. It proposes to use launch ramps on a day-use basis, where boats could be inspected, if necessary, before they enter the water.
The three buildings currently in the park could be removed, then have a new building that is necessary for rowers and paddlers.
This would restore sight lines and the space which has been used for empty trailers could be returned to its natural state.
This dedicated parks group has concept plans, models, which include cost estimates for renewal of the grass area, slabs for washing boats, etc., and facts to back up these statements.
I hope that this series has inspired interest and will generate questions to the city about plans for Skaha Lake Park.
I have not included the names of the many people who have assisted me in this process but I will name the sources: the regional district, the federal government, the Okanagan Basin Water Board, Penticton Indian Band, South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation and Okanagan Nation Alliance.
I am also going to mention Nelson Meikle because of his grit and tenacious attitude that continues to inspire us to save parks. We will continue his work.
Peter Osborne is a Penticton resident with a passion for the city.