Over the last several years, plans have come and gone for beautifying the area around the SS Sicamous.
But at council’s regular meeting this week, the concept was finally made a part of the city’s Official Community Plan, under the terminology of the Sicamous Area Master Plan.
But it didn’t go without more debate, mostly centred on the addition of a seven-boat day moorage area along the rock groin east of the vessel, with concerns about preserving both the environment and swimmer safety.
The concerns of the protesters are well-taken, especially over the environment, but the fact remains that the Sicamous is a major part of Penticton’s Okanagan Lake waterfront and, as such, it’s necessary the city continue to develop it or at least have plans in place to do so.
At this point, the area plan for the Sicamous is mostly conceptual, and arguing over specific features or who will benefit most is wrong-headed.
The old sternwheeler is a costly relic to maintain, and no doubt, the debate over how money should be spent on it will continue long into the future.
But when it comes to improving the tourism value of Penticton’s most famous landmark, we all benefit.
Council has taken the right step in setting down some plans for the future of the Sicamous, if only improving the area around it.
The Sicamous has symbolized Penticton and Okanagan Lake long before landscape artist E.J. Hughes came to sketch it in June, 1958 for what became his iconic painting, Museum Ship at Penticton, B.C.
With a little care, and a lot of planning, we can make sure the Sicamous carries into its second century with dignity, and continues to represent Penticton for many years.