To the editor:
I do agree with Coun. Lisa Cameron, some changes would benefit the ambiance of our shoreline. (Public Trail No Place to Keep Private Property, Sept. 12 Lake Country Calendar.)
The old canopy/cum/storage shed is an eyesore. The owner is no longer around so has given the space to others to store their ‘noodles’ and various floatation devices.
The broken catamaran may go plus a few other discarded and broken objects of course.
We, as a community have lately been remiss in not doing this type of clean-up as we had done for many years in the past.
I was amused at her comments of “dozens” of impediments, yet when I walk the O.K. Centre trail, as I do regularly going south for the two-kilometre stretch to Serwa’s Vineyards, I note only a few sheds. There are four to be exact, plus three pump houses, a necessary commodity for those who need lake water.
There were about 15 boats, from small kayaks, canoes and tin boats, to sailboats and catamarans. There are five picnic tables and four floats, some of which will be used as rafts by children from all walks.
I am grateful for the occasional chair on which one may rest awhile.
The WALC is enjoyed by many of all ages. I have not found any obstructions.
Isn’t the idea of a trail meant to be a bit of a meander? There was a fallen tree across the path once a few years ago but it was removed in good time by those who do those things. It really is not meant to be “like Stanley Park.” It is more of a quiet nature walk.
The idea of removing the small buoys from along the shore would be ludicrous. If they are removed, where then will all the vehicles and their trailers park that will be required to use the marina to launch their boat every time they need to do so? Our now very small parking area is already overburdened and congested. The small buoys actually protect the swimmers by alerting boaters this is likely a swimming area.
I believe some trail walkers enjoy the odds and sods we come across en route. They find this contributes to the charm and quaintness of the path.
The sight of a boat is lovely even if tied to a tree. What is a waterway if you don’t see various boats in the area? Some even offer unique photo ops by adding a touch of colour or a point of interest in the background of your scenery photo.
As for the wooden shed, circa 1910, I find it interesting, an eclectic sign of past times. Or a destination marker for “where am I”?
Why are we making life miserable for locals and small craft owners?
What about the elderly widow who lives alone and has no means of getting her kayak down to the shore for her daily exercise paddle? She does somehow manage to roll it on logs to get it there at the beginning and end of each season.
There are issues somewhat more pressing our council could be focusing on, ie:
• The actual safety of our harbour. It is boarded up making it virtually unusable if ever a boat is caught out in a storm with no refuge. The local tourist maps are still advertising our marina as a “safe harbour”
• Or the effects of our famously indigenous poison ivy on our walkers. When it is in full growth mode it definitely infringes onto the trail having become increasingly prolific in the last few years, a very real danger/threat to all trail walkers
• Bicycle lanes for the locals and the increasing numbers who use the circuit route on OK Centre Road
• Plus a few more picnic table along the foreshore would be nice.
You have done good works as our ward, Lisa, and we do appreciate your youthful insights. But, just how many are in a dozen these days?
P. Wentworth,
Okanagan Centre