The city won’t be able to renew its 30-year aquatic lease from the province of the marina and wharf in Salmon Arm Bay for a long term. The lease expires Aug. 31, 2017 and council was informed the province would extend the current lease for only four years. In early 2015, when council asked staff to develop a request for proposals for lease, sub-lease and operation of the marina, it attempted to pro-actively renew the lease for another 30 years. Instead, the four-year extension will allow five years to offer a sub-lease to the successful proponent. Council members stated they will need to pay attention to the situation. Coun. Kevin Flynn pointed out that as a boater, water levels there are dropping – levels which are being exacerbated by extremely dry weather.
“Maybe that’s why they’re only giving us four more years.”