The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is seeking feedback from neighbouring residents and users of the Yaqakxaqⱡamki Boat Launch on the west side of Lake Koocanusa.

“The Yaqakxaqⱡamki Boat Launch is now part of our network of RDEK Regional Parks,” says Planner Krista Gilbert. “We are developing Parks Management Plans for all of our parks and trails in the region and public engagement is an important part of the planning process as we want to hear residents’ vision for the future of these community facilities.”

To help gather public feedback on the the Yaqakxaqⱡamki Boat Launch Regional Park, the RDEK has created a project page and has a public comment period open now through until 2:00pm on July 21, 2023. Comments can be made directly on the project page or, for those without computer access, by contacting Gilbert (250-489-2791) at the RDEK office in Cranbrook.

“We encourage residents and users of the boat launch to visit the project page and let us know what they like about the facility, what improvements could be made into the future, and what their longer-term vision is for the site. Feedback we receive will help us ensure the Parks Management Plan considers and reflects that community vision,” adds Gilbert.

The goal of the Parks Management Plan is to establish objectives and strategies for the long-term management of the park for a 15-20 year period. Management plans address topics such as land acquisition, site planning, facility development, recreation, user groups, access management, public safety, maintenance, control of invasive plants, threats from wildfire and funding and partnership agreements.