Enjoying a beer on the beach in Âé¶čAV may be a reality by summer.
Mayor Tom Dyas says a motion coming to council soon was the result of consultation with city staff and the RCMP over the past two weeks.
âThereâs been discussion of whether it would be possible to allow individuals to go to the beach and have a drink.â
Dyas adds that staff has been asked to provide council with a report.
âIf we did this what would it look like? What beaches would it apply to? What time frames would it apply to?â
The mayor says alcohol would not be allowed at all beaches and parks.
âIn speaking with the RCMP, their feeling is it would be beneficial if it wasnât in City Park. Thatâs what weâve gone to staff for.â
The staff report should be in front of council in a couple of weeks, and if bylaws are eventually amended, having a drink on the beach could happen by summer.
âIt will also be on a temporary basis,â Dyas says. âTo make sure it works for everybody.â
Earlier this month Penticton council unanimously supported a bylaw allowing alcohol consumption at select parks and beaches on Okanagan and Skaha lakes.
âIâve had some discussions with Mayor Bloomfield (Penticton) and other communities where it has worked and how itâs been received,â Dyas says.
The mayor stresses that bylaw, the RCMP and council all need to agree that itâs a good thing to move forward on.
READ MORE: Just 20 repeat offenders responsible for 3,500 Âé¶čAV RCMP files from 2020 to 2022
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on and subscribe to our daily and subscribe to our daily newsletter.