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City works to improve lake access

Williams Lake city council agreed to examine possibilities for providing more access to Williams Lake after receiving a petition Tuesday.

Tuesday evening city council received a petition signed by more than 300 people requesting that limited parking be made available on Dutch Point Road off South Lakeside Road, near the boat launch, says a city report.

Greg Van Soest and Darren Getz presented the petition with 319 signatures on it to council and discussed concerns with parking restrictions on Dutch Point Road near the boat launch.

They asked to have parking restriction signs removed and have a limited first come-first served parking area designated and marked.

After receiving the petition council committed to working toward improving access to Williams Lake at both Dutch Point Road and at other locations around the lake.

This spring, the city restricted parking along Dutch Point Road to ensure adequate space in the event emergency vehicles need to access properties along the road.

In further steps to solve the Dutch Point access problem the city will initiate talks with CN Rail and investigate costs to widen Dutch Point Road where possible to allow for some parking and provision for a turn-around.

Improving access to Williams Lake was also established as a priority, the report states.

The city is currently compiling a lake access inventory, and staff will provide options and rough cost estimates for potential development of other boat launch and public access areas on Williams Lake, to be considered by council at an upcoming meeting. Community consultation will take place further in the process.

The project will also include developing a communication plan, and improved signage to inform city residents regarding available lake access.

The city staff plan to work with Scout Island operators to extend gate hours at Scout Island; and work with the bylaw department to continue increased enforcement of city bylaws in that area.

They will also work with the RCMP to enforce regulations regarding parking, disorderly conduct, drunkenness and noise violations; and develop improved signage for the area.