Several sinking boats in Okanagan Lake that have raised eyebrows over the past few weeks are slated to be pulled from the water.
During the cold snap in mid-January, Kelowna residents began noticing that several sailboats were succumbing to the icy waters near Manhattan Point. As a result of the severe cold, several boats that had been moored inappropriately became damaged by ice and are now partially or completely submerged.
READ MORE: Coast Guard on the case: Multiple sinking boats on Okanagan Lake
On Jan. 23, the City of Kelowna issued a press release stating that the boats and debris will be removed from the lake.
“Sunken vessels are considered an environmental concern and necessary precautions are being taken, said Alan Budde, Security and Business Continuity Manager.
After consultations with the Coast Guard and Transport Canada, the city has been given the green light to proceed with the boat extractions in order to limit impacts to the public and the environment.
Most of the vessels that need to be removed had been attached to non-compliant moorage buoys.
Budde said that the number of derelict and abandoned boats floating on Okanagan Lake has increased over the past few years partially as a result of the growing number of illegally moored buoys.
Last year, the city removed several illegal buoys. The city is continuing its efforts to manage the number of non-sanctioned buoys by working to strengthen bylaws and increase enforcement against individuals operating buoys illegally without a valid business license or permit.
Shoreline Pile Driving has been contracted to remove sunken or at-risk boats. Removal operations are expected to begin on January 24 and will take several days. Information on each vessel will be documented and shared with the Coast Guard and Transport Canada to assist with owner identification.
Vessels will be stored by the contractor for a period of 60 days and owners can claim their boats by contacting the Property Management office at PropertyManagement@kelowna.ca or 250-469-8610. Costs for removal and storage will apply. If unclaimed after this period, boats will be subject to disposal.