Sunken boats to be removed to protect water quality

The City of Kelowna has hired a company to remove several sunken boats near the Manhattan Point area which got damaged during the recent cold spell.

The boats are considered a risk to the community’s drinking water supply.

“While the current risk to Kelowna’s water supply is low, sunken vessels are considered an environmental concern and necessary precautions are being taken,” Alan Budde, Security and Business Continuity Manager, said. “Following consultations with the Coast Guard and Transport Canada, the city can proceed with removal to limit potential impacts to the environment and public safety.”

Shoreline Pile Driving has been contracted to remove sunken or at-risk boats with removal operations expected to begin on January 24 and taking 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 the 60 days, boats will be subject to disposal.

Budde said most of the vessels being removed were attached to non-compliant moorage buoys.

“Derelict and abandoned boats have increased in part because of the growing number of non-compliant moorage buoys along the lakeshore,” Budde said.

Last year, the city took steps to remove several illegally moored buoys from the lake. The city is continuing these efforts while working to strengthen bylaws and increase enforcement against individuals operating buoys illegally without a valid business license or permit.