Title
Lake Wabamun Boat Launch Study
Proposed Motion
That Council approve up to $65,000 from Restricted Surplus - Municipal Park to carry out the Lake Wabamun Boat Launch Study.
Body
Administration Recommendations
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Council may also direct Administration to seek out financial support towards the study costs from neighboring municipalities surrounding Lake Wabamun. Administration would support this direction as long as it is not a requirement that financial support be provided in order to move forward with the study.
Purpose
There are inadequate boat launch facilities at Lake Wabamun to accommodate the demand; thus resulting in a variety of issues for County residents in the area. Study is required to determine best options for addressing the issues.
Summary
Lake Wabamun is a very well utilized waterbody in the region. There is significant residential development within a number of municipalities surrounding the Lake, including a number of County subdivisions and a hamlet. Currently, there are two formal, useable boat launches at the Lake which are situated in the Village of Wabamun and the Provincial Park. In addition to these formal boat launches there are other lake access points, which are not formal developed boat launch areas, that are used for launching boats. In the County these undeveloped lake access areas include our Rich's Point Day Use Park, Ascot Beach Day Use Park and Fallis.
On busy days the wait to launch or remove the watercraft at the two developed boat launch areas can be upwards of two to three hours. Lake users have taken to seeking out the other lake access points, many situated in County subdivisions. This is resulting in a number of issues in these areas which include:
- parking
- traffic (speed)
- garbage
- defecation or urination on shore and on reserve lands
- access to the lake blocked off by vehicles so residents can't launch
- inexperienced users causing damage to the lake bed and shoreline with large 4 X 4 launch vehicles
TransAlta used to have an operational Boat Launch by Sundance but have closed it. Despite requests to re-open it has remained closed. This creates boat access issues for County residents living on that side of the Lake.
The Boat Launch Study being proposed involves four phases:
Phase 1 - Inventory and Analysis
Phase 2 - Public Engagement and Demand Assessment
Phase 3 - Preliminary Options
Phase 4 - Final Strategy Plan
The aim of the study is to ultimately come up with options for addressing the issues resulting from the lack of developed boat launch access. Budget consist of $60,000 for the study and $5,000 for public engagement plan.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications (As Required)
Quality of Life - Goal #1 - Parkland County is a diverse and inclusive community that will balance the needs of its people and provide a choice of lifestyles in a harmonious and safe environment
Financial Impact:
Cost: $65,000
Source of Funding: Restricted Surplus - Municipal Park
Other (As Required)
Administration will invite a representative from each municipality surrounding Lake Wabamun to participate with the project as an Advisory Committee member. Purpose of the Advisory Committee is to provide support in the areas of public engagement and the provision of municipal information related to other informal launch areas, land ownership, municipal boundaries, traffic volumes etc