Two public docks, installed at Rotary Beach in September, will be removed as council considers replacement options.
The F and I docks at Rotary Beach were destroyed during the flooding of 2017 and were reconstructed in the fall.
At the time, crews used treated materials and raised the dock by half a metre above the previous dock level. This was done to comply with the Okanagan Lake Dock Standards.
The other option considered was to use untreated materials and build to the earlier height of the docks.
The Okanagan Lake Dock Standards do not allow treated materials at the original height of the docks.
However, after the work was completed, staff had some concerns about the replaced structures.
In a report to council, Kris Johnson, director of works and utilities for the municipality, said there are issues surrounding liability and risks to the public because of the height of the docks.
“For most of the year, it will not be safe for the public to jump off these docks due to the increased height compared to the depth of the water,” the report states. “Staff were also concerned that the purpose of these docks, which has historically been swimming structures, would be lost.”
The report recommends removing the new docks and reconstructing them at their previous elevation or using alterative designs such as floating docks.
“We need to make this beach a safe place,” said Coun. Erin Carlson.
Reconstruction costs have been around $106,000.
The cost of removing the docks is estimated at $30,000.
Reconstructing the docks at the original levels, using untreated materials, is estimated at $70,000, while constructing floating docks would cost around $330,000.
Council will consider dock replacement options at a future meeting.
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