The City of Kamloops has temporarily closed the McArthur Island boat launch because of low water levels.
On Monday afternoon, the city shared the closure on social media, saying it was done as a safety precaution. The boat launch will remain closed until water conditions improve.
The city also mentioned other nearby boat launch sites that are open for use. These include Pioneer Park and Valleyview, which boaters can use as alternatives.
Water level data from Environment Canada shows the Thompson River near Kamloops is currently about 3.4 metres. This is a drop of over 10 centimetres since Saturday and more than one metre lower compared to a month ago.
The low water levels have raised concerns for boaters and city officials alike. The temporary closure aims to prevent any accidents or damage to boats caused by the shallow water near McArthur Island.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to use the open launches at Pioneer Park or Valleyview while the McArthur Island site is closed. The city will monitor the river levels and update the public when the boat launch can safely reopen.
