In the summer of 2009, the Kinbasket Reservoir Commercial and Recreation Opportunities Study became available in hard copy and available to the public.

The report included a number of recommendations to move forward that included ensuring that BC Hydro follows through on starting construction of the boat launch at Bush Harbour. The intent of the project, as recommended by the Columbia River Water Use Plan, is to improve recreational boat access on Kinbasket Reservoir.

Jennifer Walker-Larsen, Stakeholder Engagement Advisor for BC Hydro, said that BC Hydro is committed to construct and maintain a new boat ramp at Bush Harbour under the Water Use Plan as directed by the provincial Comptroller of Water Rights.

“The new ramp design is a concrete top ramp that extends to a reservoir elevation of 724.6 m (2377.4 ft) with a turnaround part way down the ramp at 744 m (2440.9 ft). The existing informal ramp ends at 734.6 m (2410.1 ft). BC Hydro will also construct floating breakwaters to protect from wind and wave action, a walkway and a new parking lot and access road.”

When queried as to why the project has yet to begin, Walker-Larson explained that because BC Hydro does not own the property at Bush Harbour, they must obtain rights to the property before boat ramp construction can begin.

“The Bush Harbour site is owned by the Crown so BC Hydro is working with the Integrated Land Management Bureau as well as other agencies with a potential interest in further developing the site for recreation to secure these rights.” They include the province’s Ministry of Tourism Culture and the Arts (MOTCA) and the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD).

Walker-Larson said that MOTCA has indicated that they may be interested in developing a campsite at Bush Harbour and the CSRD has also indicated that they may be interested in developing a picnic area at the site.

“If this is the case, MOTCA will apply for land tenure rights to the Bush Harbour property. This arrangement would maintain public ownership of the land and allow both MOTCA and the CSRD to add other facilities, if desired. MOTCA would then develop a separate agreement with BC Hydro that would give us rights to build and maintain the ramp.”

MOTCA and BC Hydro reached a similar agreement for the development of the Glacier Park boat ramp on the Duncan Reservoir.

People are welcome to check out the Kinbasket Reservoir Commercial and Recreation Opportunities Study online, at www.kickinghorsecountry.com or a hard copy can be obtained by visiting the Golden Area Initiatives office at the Tourism Information Centre.