UNPRECEDENTED DEMAND!
Stall availability is limited.
We work to satisfy as many requests as possible but present demand strongly outweighs supply.
COMMUNITY GOALS
“REDUCE VEHICLE TRAFFIC ACROSS THE TRACKS”
“A WHISTLE-FREE TRAIN SUMMER”
RAILWAY CROSSING SAFETY
Let’s keep working on decreasing incidents at the crossing (less train whistles being blown).
Use caution when crossing and talk to others who are undertaking unsafe practices.
Losing our CPR crossing agreement is the last thing we want!
Thank you in advance for taking time to inform all family and friends about the importance of respecting the CPR crossing and the gravity of the consequences.
VEHICULAR TRAFFIC OVER THE TRACKS
Vehicles going through the gate must be licensed and insured. Vehicle drivers must hold a valid driver’s license.
PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC AT CROSSING
Please use the designated gated pathway to cross the railway tracks. Pedestrians must yield the right of way to vehicles. Please do not stand on tracks – quickly move across the tracks!
ACCIDENT PREVENTION
Reduce vehicular traffic over the tracks will lessen possible vehicle incidents with pedestrians and trains !
Don’t race across tracks to beat the train!
CPR SAFETY
TRAINS CANNOT SWERVE OR STOP – THEY HIT WHAT IS ON THE TRACK!
Railway safety and the vital role you play in keeping your family and friends safe is important.
Remember:
- Only cross the railway tracks at the designated crossing.
- STOP, LOOK, LISTEN AND LIVE!
- If you see a train approaching, stop and wait in a safe place away from the tracks.
- Children should be accompanied by an adult when crossing the tracks.
- Do not walk on or along the tracks.
Incidents with CPR are reported to us. Not obeying the above CPR safety rules will result in the revoking of beach and marina privileges.
KNOW YOUR LAKE
SPEED LIMITS NEAR THE SHORELINE
There is a general non-posted 10 kpm speed limit within 30 meters (100 feet) of the shoreline.
CLEAN, DRAIN AND DRY
Columbia Lake is shallow and warm, hence, the threat of invasive/non-native aquatic plants and species (like Eurasian Watermilfoil and Zebra/Quagga Mussel) being introduced to Columbia Lake is a real concern.
If introduced, reproduction and spread would happen quickly. Before leaving a body of water Clean, Drain and Dry your watercraft (including kayaks, paddleboards, trailer, etc) and all ancillary equipment (life jackets, waders, fishing gear, etc,) before using them again on Columbia Lake.
Learn more about playing your part to CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your watercraft can be found HERE.
COLUMBIA LAKE STEWARDSHIP SOCIETY(CLSS)
By the marina ramp, take a peek at map published by CLSS that outlines environmentally sensitive areas around Columbia Lake.
Learn interesting facts about Columbia Lake HERE!
COLUMBIA LAKE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
Read the details about the CLMS on the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) website HERE.
Damaged Boats in Marina!
There have been a number of incidents over the last few years of boaters hitting parked boats in the marina; sometimes causing significant damage. Accidents do happen but if you hit another boat, please let the boat owner know. If you need to know who owns the boat, please ask us. Thank you being respectful and considerate.
Marina Access Denied to Homeowners Permitting Short Term Rentals
To support the Columere Park Community Association (CPCA) with their endeavor to limit Short Term Rentals (STR) within Columere Park, marina and gate access will not be provided to homeowners using their homes for STR (AirB&B, VRBO, etc) . If you have any questions, please call us.
No Guarantee for Stall Rentals for Larger Boats
“Bigger isn’t always better”.
You know what they say, “size matters”. The fact is, problems do arise trying to accommodate larger boats in the marina. The east dock has slightly wider spaces, however, several of these stalls are being reserved for pontoon boats.
A stall is 8.5 feet (width) by 21 feet (length).
Hence, we can’t guarantee a stall rental for boats over 8 ft in width or longer than 25 feet in length. Therefore, when considering buying a new boat, please keep the boat size in mind!
Limited Pontoon Boat Rental Stalls
The east dock has slightly wider spaces, hence, several of these stalls are being reserved for pontoon boats. Last year, these pontoon boat stalls were filled. Therefore, if considering to purchase a pontoon boat, it is likely that a stall will not be available to rent. Hence, launching and pulling out your pontoon may be the only option to getting on the lake.
Vehicle Traffic Monitoring
An increased number of vehicles crossing the railway track is a concern. Only licensed and insured vehicles (and drivers with valid driver’s license) to be going through the vehicle gate. Vehicles to be used to transport gas to boats or launch watercraft. Remember to park vehicles on the west side of tracks and walk across the tracks to access the beach facilities. This summer, vehicle traffic will be monitored. Excess crossings may result in card key being deactivated.
Impact of Wake Boats on the Lake
The lake is shallow, measuring only 15 feet at its greatest depth. When wake surfing, please keep to the middle of the lake (deepest area) to reduce the impact on the bottom of the lake, to preserve wildfowl nesting and to avoid eroding the shoreline. Waves impact the lake and life on the lake.
Lake, Boating and Marina Rules
We want to ensure that you experience a seamless marina experience all season long. Please refer to the following:
The Marina’s “Rules & Regulations” can be found HERE.
NOTE: Community Association website and emails end in “.ca”
Fires – Planes and Helicopters
When planes and helicopters are filling up on the lake during fire season, PLEASE stay clear of the center of the lake so operators can do their vital fire control jobs.
Boats and Other Watercraft Used Outside of Columbia Lake
If you use your boat, trailer, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, tubes, life jackets, etc in other waters, please Clean, Drain and Dry before using these items in Columbia Lake. The threat of invasive/non-native aquatic plants and species (like Eurasian Watermilfoil and Zebra/Quagga Mussel) being introduced to Columbia Lake is a real concern.
Stay Alert when Coming In and Out of the Marina
Please stay alert when maneuvering your boat in the marina and channel.
Securing Your Boat
PLEASE ensure your boat is tied up tight to dock to protect the boat beside you.
Can Family and Friends Use the Marina?
Unaccompanied family and friends of Columere Park property owners are not permitted to use the launching facilities or marina stalls.
Refueling Boats
Please use the anti-static refueling mat when refueling a boat. Mats are located on the docks.
Parking at the Marina Launch
Due to congestion, only park by the launch when bringing fuel or large equipment down to your boat.
Where to Park Vehicles with Trailers
Due to limited parking on the marina side of tracks, please park vehicles with trailers in the upper parking by bulletin board.
Boat Insurance
Boat owners must have insurance on their boats to use the marina facilities.
Gate and Card Key Information
Gate Not Working?
Phone calls are appreciated when gate is not working.
If card key does not open gate, it could simply mean a computer glitch.
If the automated gate is not working and the manual gate is being used, please ensure that the gate is closed.
A closed gate is a mandatory requirement by CPR.
Card Key Not Working?
Your card key may not work because community dues are unpaid, marina fees are unpaid, waiver is not signed or in some cases the card key is defective.
Prohibit Use of Card Key to Allow Others Access through Gate
Do not use your card key to allow other vehicles through the marina gate. If a family’s card key is not working, there is normally a reason (see above).
Marina Stall Rental Requests and Invoicing
Who to Call for Marina Inquiries?
Please call Donna @ 250-342-5174 or email marina@columerepark.com
Your Marina Status
We have placed families into 1 of 4 categories:
- Seasonal Marina Stall Renter
- Marina Stall Waiting List Community Member (on the waiting list to be a Seasonal Marina Stall Renter – can request weekly stall rentals and a seasonal stall rental, IF one is available)
- Card Key Holder (only requests a card key to launch watercraft – no request to a rent stall)
- Community Member (everyone else)
You know your status by the salutation used in your email!!!
Stall Rental Request if on the Waiting List
We make every effort to satisfy a family’s request to rent a marina stall for a few weeks during their summer vacation time.
With limited number of stalls and more families requesting time in the marina, the opportunity to rent a stall for the season while on the waiting list is becoming more difficult.
It is important to specify which weeks during the summer so we can at least try to satisfy your weekly requests.