Mr. Beach Answers Criticisms and Concerns

1. Why haven't you raised the issue of encroachment onto public access and building past the high water marks, by lakefront property owners?

I have. Many non-locals citizens in Vernon are concerned about the widespread encroachment issues. This is where land owners have built structures on accesses or past the high water mark. There are hundreds of such instances of this abuse of the common good in the Vernon area. One need only look at the beach access reports on the City of Vernon web site or take a boat trip along the shoreline of Kalmalka Lake or Okanagan Lake.

2. Me and my neighbours are very upset that you list {name withheld} beach as a dog beach. This is wrong information and we are taking steps to stop this misinformation.

I've corrected the wrong information. Might I suggest that you and your neighbours do more relaxing on your neighbourhood beach. You sound mighty wound up!

3. I don't want my local beach to be advertised, since it is a neighbourhood secret and we don't want outsiders to come to it.

My mama would call this attitude selfishness. While you are blessed with having a public beach near your homes, the key word is "public". All beaches are for all citizens to use equally. A better approach would be for you to be a good neighbour and ensure that the beach is well maintained. Hospitality and generousity have a habit of being contagious.

4. Some boaters stopped at a small beach in our neighbourhood and defectated in the bushes. We are upset.

This is sad behaviour. Contact the City of Vernon or the GVS and ask that a portapotty be placed at this beach.

5. If our public access is "found out about" partiers will come and make noise. The RCMP does not come when we call.

Vernon does have a problem with rude partiers and drug culture. There is a saying when dealing with crime issues: "When you call the police at night, call the mayor in the morning." Public access points that are developed tend to have less problems since more respectable citizens tend to use the spaces. With development comes signs and gates closing the beaches after sunset. We don't live in a perfect world, so make sure to clean up after partiers. A clean beach tends to stay clean. Give thanks for the blessing of living near the water.