Arrow Lakes boaters to benefit from three new boat launches
By Nelson Daily Staff
BC Hydro and Columbia Power are pleased to announce that construction of the three Arrow Lakes boat launches is underway.
Contracts for all three projects – Anderson Point on the Lower Arrow and Nakusp and Edgewood on the Upper Arrow – have been awarded and each facility is now in the midst of construction.
“We appreciate the continued support and patience of the project communities as we now move ahead in earnest with construction of the Anderson Point, Nakusp and Edgewood boat ramps,” said Jane Bird, President and CEO, Columbia Power.
“Columbia Power is very pleased to have had this opportunity to partner with BC Hydro in these efforts.”
At the Anderson Point launch, road access improvements, pile driving and placement of the floating walkway are complete.
In Nakusp, the old wood trestle ramp has been removed and concrete panel installation is underway.
Work on the Edgewood project is progressing, and the breakwater and floating walkway placement is scheduled for the coming weeks.
BC Hydro is committed to improving summer recreational boat access for the Arrow Lakes reservoir, as recommended by the Columbia River Water Use Plan.
“BC Hydro is committed to giving back to the communities in which we operate,” said Chris O’Riley, Executive Vice President of Generation, BC Hydro.
“The completion of these projects will ensure improved access to the Arrow Lakes reservoir for recreational users. We are very pleased with the work being done by our partner, Columbia Power, on the construction of the project.”
In 2011, BC Hydro upgraded boat ramps at Fauquier and McDonald Creek Park and built a new boat ramp near Burton. The designs for the remaining projects have been developed by BC Hydro in collaboration with the local communities and BC Hydro’s funding commitments remain unchanged.
In 2012, BC Hydro and Columbia Power formed a partnership for the remaining Arrow Lakes reservoir boat ramp improvement projects. Once Columbia Power completes construction, BC Hydro will maintain the boat ramps.
Facts:
· Columbia Power is managing the construction of the Anderson Point, Nakusp and Edgewood launches on behalf of BC Hydro.
· The new Anderson Point facility will include a concrete panel ramp, floating walkway and floating breakwater.
· The Nakusp Boat Launch replacement project will see the installation of a new concrete ramp and aluminum gangway.
· The Edgewood Boat Launch Improvement Project includes the reinforcement the existing concrete ramp and the placement of two floating breakwaters and a floating walkway.
· Designs for the projects were developed by BC Hydro in consultation with local communities.
· BC Hydro is funding the boat ramp work and maintains the responsibility for providing and maintaining public access to Arrow Lakes reservoir under the terms of its water licence as directed by the Comptroller of Water Rights.
· For updates on the projects, visit www.columbiapower.org.
