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Plans to be unveiled for SS Sicamous

Three concept plans to enhance the area around the SS Sicamous will be presented to the public on Sept. 27.

New master plans for the SS Sicamous were presented to city council.

Ed Grifone, a partner with CTQ Consultants, showed the results of six months of consultation and design, wrapped up in three concept plans to enhance the area around the SS Sicamous.

Environmental respect, a living museum, marine or boat-building theme, dealing with moorage and boats, day moorage, developing First Nations culture on site were just some of the factors that went into the concept plans, according to Grifone. Preserving the Rose Garden was also a factor.

The first concept plan, which includes one variation, focuses mainly on enhancing the rock groin jutting out into Okanagan Lake west of the Sicamous into an outlook. It also includes a boardwalk to enter the ship, with another walkway jutting out into the water.

“I know in the past plans were made to put something very special at the end of it, not just a lookout circle … perhaps a restaurant or some kind of a gallery,” said Coun. John Vassilaki.

Grifone said there were many possibilities for the rock spit.

“The idea is to put something attractive out there that doesn’t maybe compete with the businesses in town, but something special that would bring people out into that area,” he said.

The second and third concept plans differ dramatically, with more effort on the park and the entryway, creating either a large or more moderate plaza in front of the boat. To make room for an 80 metre wide plaza,  the second concept plan moves the roundabout south to Churchill and Riverside.

The plans also features the possibility of a day moorage and opportunities for the Penticton Indian Band to develop a cultural centre.

The plans are being shown to Waterfront Committee, PIB chief and council and the SS Sicamous Society.

Public will have a chance to give their input on Sept. 27 at the Saturday market.