RDCK host meeting to update public on Taghum/Blewett boat launch study
By Nelson Daily Staff
Regional District of Central Kootenay staff will release findings from a feasibility study regarding construction of a boat launch on Kootenay River in the Taghum/Blewett area on Monday, September 17 at Blewett Elementary west of Nelson.
The public meeting runs from 6-8 p.m.
“We initiated the feasibility study to examine the potential for a public boat launch on the Kootenay River to serve the needs of users in the Taghum and Blewett areas, and community consultation is an essential part of finding the right solution,” said Tom Newell, Director of Electoral Area F in a media release Thursday.
“We need the community’s input to help determine if the RDCK should proceed to the next stage of conceptual design and additional investigation.”
Approximately 45 concerned citizens attended a meeting in November 2017, voicing boating concerns during a Public Open House.
The Open House was organized by RDCK officials attempting to find a new spot for recreational boaters to launch their watercraft after a makeshift spot on Fisherman’s Pit Road was closed a few years ago by Teck in Trail. Teck deemed the lands “contaminated” with age-old tailings from the once active Kenville Mine in Blewett.
Community members, RDCK Directors and staff have been working together to find a solution for a new river access for local boaters.
Feedback from the meeting was taken by staff at WSP Engineering to complete Taghum/Blewett Boat Launch – Phase 1 Feasibility Study.
The study was to determine planning of a boat launch on either the north or south side of the Kootenay River to service the Taghum and Blewett areas.
“A key message received from the consultation was to develop a solution that would accommodate the local community and be accessible to both motorized and non-motorized boaters,” said Ramona Faust, Director of Electoral Area E.
“As there is currently no other opportunity to launch a boat in this section of the river, there is a desire in the community to proceed with the project as soon as possible. We need further input from the community on the study results to make sure we are going in the right direction.”
The feasibility study incorporates consultation with local stakeholders, community members, and elected officials. The study includes a short list of potential sites to evaluate the technical feasibility and the needs of the local boating community. The public meeting will consider the various opportunities and challenges at each of the sites identified in the study.
Resources:
- For more information about the Taghum/Blewett Boat Launch Feasibility Study, visit the project page at this link:
- The draft Feasibility Study can be found at this link:
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