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.
Loss of our CPR crossing agreement is not what 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.
Marina Channel Dredging Progress Update
The saga continues!
The 47-page Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) for the marina dredging has just been completed. It has been approved by the Ministry of Environment. This CEMP now goes to other provincial and federal government departments including the First Nations for their input and approval. There is no guarantee we will receive these approvals.
Due to various concerns (bird nesting, fish spawning, lake mussel inspection, etc.) the only window of opportunity that will be allowed to dredge is September. Hopefully, if approvals are received in time, dredging will happen this September. If not, dredging may have to wait until next year.
At time of dredging, all boats will have to be removed for about a week while this work is carried out. Also, the boat launch and channel to the lake will not be accessible.
We will inform marina users as soon as we hear anything about the approvals.
No Uninsured Vehicles to Use CPR Crossing
Vehicles going through the gate must be licensed and insured. Vehicle drivers must hold a valid driver’s license.
An increased number of vehicles crossing the railway track is a concern. Vehicles should be used only 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. Vehicle traffic will continue to be monitored. Excess crossings may result in card key being deactivated.
Beaver Incidents
Two sets of beavers entered the marina to build lodges. The beavers were removed. The twigs, sticks rocks and mud used to build the lodges will be cleaned up.
If you see any beaver sightings, please contact us. Thank you.
Continual Support to Not Allowing Short Term Rentals
We continue to support the Columere Park Community Association (CPCA) with their endeavor to limit Short Term Rentals (STR) within Columere Park by not granting marina and vehicle gate access to homeowners using their homes for STR (AirB&B, VRBO, etc) . If you have any questions, please contact us.
Previous Year’s News Highlights
Kids (and Adults) Not Allowed To Access Beach Through Vehicle Gate
Children have been waiting for the vehicle gate to open to access the beach. This gate is meant for vehicles only, not pedestrians. This vehicle lane needs to be clear of pedestrians so vehicles with/without trailers can freely enter and exit without pedestrian interference and to avoid any train incidents.
Also, children have been squeezing between the vehicle gate and gate post – dangerous and not allowed.
No Gasoline to be Left on Docks
Please remove gasoline cans from docks and use anti-static mats on the docks when refueling your boat.
Who Owns Watercraft/Sailboats Left at Doggie Beach? Please Contact Us
If you are using the doggie beach for parking your sailboat/watercraft, please contact us with the make and model of your watercraft. It is important for the community to monitor this sensitive area on the north end of the lake and to reduce clutter such as tires, wood etc. This watercraft information will be collected to get a better understanding on how this area is being used and to keep contact information on record in case of an emergency.
Every Card Key Requires a Signed Waiver
If you have a card key, please ensure that every year you sign a waiver.
Prior to Marina Information Received Each Year
Prior to receiving the annual marina information, if you wish to rent a stall before the May long weekend, please contact us.
No Guarantee for Stall Rentals for Larger Boats
A marina stall is 8.5 feet (width) by 21 feet (length).
A stall rental for boats over 8 ft in width or longer than 25 feet in length is not guaranteed. Pease keep the stall size in mind when purchasing a boat!
Limited Pontoon Boat Rental Stalls
The east dock has slightly wider spaces, hence, several of these stalls are reserved for pontoon boats. For the past few years, these pontoon boat stalls were filled with current pontoon owners. Therefore, if considering to purchase a pontoon boat, it is likely that a stall will not be available to rent. Launching and pulling out your pontoon daily may be the only option to getting on the lake.
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.
Who has right of way – boats leaving or boats entering the marina?
Since most people can see boats coming out of the marina from the lake, boats exiting the marina are given the right of way
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.