Is Vernon’s New Okanagan Landing Boat Launch a Hazard?

June 11 2026 - Vernon Councillor Brian Quiring says he continues to receive emails and pictures from boaters reporting significant propeller damage at the new public boat launch at 8835 Okanagan Landing Road.

“The new boat launch at Okanagan Landing Road is really a problem for boaters,” - Vernon Councillor Brian Quiring

Watch Video HERE - https://youtu.be/J6rkLu9yS1c

During the June 8, 2026 Vernon City Council meeting, Councillor Quiring raised the issue during Council Inquiries.

“The new boat launch at Okanagan Landing Road is really a problem for boaters,” Quiring told council. “A few people now have done significant damage. The problem is the rocks were pushed out about 30 feet into the water, so you can’t see them when you’re coming in… especially this year with the low water.”

He noted that the current signage is inadequate and suggested the city may need to enhance the signage or temporarily restrict larger power boats (such as ski boats) at the ramp, possibly limiting use to kayaks and similar shallow-draft vessels for the remainder of the season.

Councillor Says Low Water Making Hazards Worse

Okanagan Lake is currently sitting just under 342 metres, roughly 20 inches (half a metre) below full pool. In some cases this low level has made submerged rocks more dangerous.

Underwater ROV footage from the site taken by ExNews.net shows visible rocks and riprap in the shallow water directly in front of the concrete ramp. Also visible, larger submerged rocks offshore, including at least one rock with what may be a possible scrape or prop mark.

ROV video is inconclusive. While the survey confirmed rocks are present directly out from the ramp, challenging conditions (turbidity, wave action, and positioning difficulties) made it impossible to determine whether the rocks recorded lie precisely in the designated boat approach path.

However, the volume of boater complaints and visible evidence suggest a real hazard exists.

The City of Vernon completed this new ramp before the of the 2025 boating season.

Mayor Victor Cumming referred the matter to city staff.

Is Vernon’s New Okanagan Landing Boat Launch a Hazard?