Access to Kalamalka Lake is getting more difficult by the day, according to a group of Coldstream residents. Citizens who live in Coldstream have recreated a group, under the CARE for Kalamalka Lake Access moniker, and started a petition and Facebook page where residents can advocate for improved access for residents and dogs. "Supporters of the petition have commented that there is not enough parking for people who want to launch paddleboards or kayaks, and people are walking on the side of a narrow and busy road in order to get to neighbourhood beaches," said group organizer Lisa LaBoucane.
"They have to drive to other areas to enjoy time at the lake. People walk several kilometre's in Kal Provincial Park or down the Rail Trail in order to swim their dog." LaBoucane added that the district "needs to create a plan for equitable and safe access to our beautiful lake.
" Another advocate, Paige Sutherland, decries the lack of dog-friendly lake access. "There are no public access points to Kal Lake outside of the dog beach in Kal Park, which is essentially not accessible for many humans and dogs due to the distance and terrain," she said. , currently with close to 400 signatures, is expected to be presented to Coldstream council in the fall.
"For years I used the multiple beach accesses along Westkal Road and never had any issues," said another Coldstream resident. "I don’t understand why there is such limited parking along this road and what were once welcoming beach accesses for dog owners have been removed." As part of the North Kalamalka Neighbourhood Plan public consultation initiative, Coldstream engaged the public in August of 2022.
However, there is no active plan to expand parks, beaches, sidewalks, or launches. Residents are questioning whether the district intends to act upon this community input. The online petition is asking Coldstream council, and the RDNO board of directors, to provide at least two access points or beaches that are approved dog swimming areas on Kalamalka Lake that are within the district.
They are also seeking to increase safe access to beaches for residents who are walking or driving, including having stairway access from the Rail Trail to Pumphouse Beach. In order to guide future growth and development in a sustainable manner, the petition also asks the RDNO to include Kalamalka Lake access in its Regional Growth Strategy. LaBoucane also recommends that residents of Coldstream complete the survey for the Coldstream Official Community Plan, which can be found at .
"The survey does not directly ask about beach and lake access, but there are places where you can fill in additional ideas within the questions," LaBoucane said. "Everything will help show that residents want equitable and safe access to this beautiful lake.".
