Town of Osoyoos council has sent a letter to BC Parks and the provincial government asking them to be kept in the loop about any decision relating to the Haynes Point boat launching area.
During council’s committee of the whole meeting Monday, chief administrative officer Barry Romanko said he’s received several emails from concerned citizens about possible closure of the boat launch area at Haynes Point Provincial Park.
Romanko said he contacted officials with BC Parks and they ensured him the boat launch would be upgraded and fixed in the coming weeks.
Thousands of local residents and campers at Haynes Point Provincial Park use the boat launch during the spring, summer and fall months.
The problem is there are complaints from local citizens and tourists every spring about concerns relating to the boat launch being closed permanently, said Romanko.
“Every spring we hear the same concerns … and there’s no doubt the boat launch is in a poor state of disrepair,” he said.
Mayor Stu Wells suggested that the town write a letter to BC Parks and the provincial government detailing how they want to be kept informed about their plans for the Haynes Point boat launch area.
“I think we should send the letter … so no snap decision is made and we’re left on the outside looking in,” he said.
The large machine used to rototill and harvest milfoil from the south side of Osoyoos Lake can only gain access to that portion of the lake by using the boat launch at Haynes Point, said Wells.
That machine does a great deal of work beneficial to the water quality of Osoyoos Lake and it would be devastating to not have access to the south side of the lake if the boat launch were ever to be shut down permanently, said Wells.
“If we could not get that machine on to the south side of the lake, it would be a disaster,” he said.
Many local residents also use that boat launch during the warm weather months, he said.
The Haynes Point boat launch is a hidden gem that benefits a lot of people in this community, said Wells.
“One of Osoyoos’ best kept secrets among locals is that boat launch,” he said. “We should send the letter and make sure we’re included in any talks.”
Members of council unanimously supported the proposal to send the letter.
Romanko didn’t give a definitive date when BC Parks staff would begin upgrades to the boat launch.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
