The City of Vernon is advising boaters to plan ahead when launching and retrieving watercraft, as low lake levels and upcoming investigation work will affect access to local boat launches this fall.
Ongoing drought conditions have resulted in low water levels across the region, making access at some boat launches increasingly difficult and raising the risk of damage to boats, trailers and vehicles.
Due to current conditions, the boat launch located at 8835 Okanagan Landing Road will close today, September 2. Launching and retrieving watercraft at this location is already significantly compromised by low water levels, and the launch will remain closed until conditions allow for safe use.
Boaters may see increased demand at other City boat launches, including Paddlewheel Park and Tronson Road, and are encouraged to allow additional time and assess conditions before launching or retrieving their watercraft.
Temporary closure at Paddlewheel Park boat launch
Boaters should also be aware of planned temporary closures at the Paddlewheel Park boat launch on September 24 and 25.
The boat launch will be closed daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days while crews conduct geotechnical investigation work to support the design of future improvements to the boat launch.
The investigation is being completed in advance of a planned boat launch upgrade in 2028. Information collected through the work will help inform the project design and support the permitting and regulatory approval process required for future in-water construction.
The Paddlewheel Park boat launch is expected to reopen after 4 p.m. each day.
During the daytime closures, boaters are encouraged to use alternative launch locations and plan for the possibility of increased demand.
Lake levels and boat launch conditions can change quickly, particularly during periods of prolonged dry weather. The City will continue to monitor conditions at its boat launches and provide updates throughout the fall as needed.