Life for swimmers and boaters will be getting back to normal in time for the weekend.
Contrary to previous reports from the City of Salmon Arm, a decision was made Thursday to re-open Canoe Beach to public use.
Water samples sent to Interior Heath for testing were not expected back until after the weekend, however, the testing was completed and, based on this, city officials decided to re-open the popular beach for weekend use.
(This updated information differs from what will appear in the print edition of the Shuswap Market News, as it was unavailable before the press deadline.)
"There is still some debris along the shore and some grassed areas in the park have been compromised by the flood waters; however the park is usable," says Robert Niewenhuizen, the city’s director of engineering and public works.
Signs will be posted a the park entrances advising people to use caution due to high water.
The water was being tested for fecal coliform and total coliform, to see if the levels exceed acceptable limits.
Niewenhuizen had previously expressed concern about coliform levels because of the possibility that area septic tanks and fields had been compromised by recent flooding.
The Interior Health Authority is advising that there may be increased bacterial levels in the Shuswap Lake water and swimmers should make efforts not to ingest lake water and children should always be closely supervised.
Shuswap Emergency Program officials also announced Wednesday they would open Columbia Shuswap Regional District boat launches at Magna Bay Wharf Road and Harbour Road in Blind Bay Thursday, July 19.
However, the boat launch at Markwart Road in Sorrento remains closed until paving is completed.
John Rosenberg, manager of public works for the City of Salmon Arm, said the city would follow suit, opening two boat launches in Canoe and one in Salmon Arm Bay.