Williams Lake’s “Big, Bold, and Beautiful” Waterfront Revitalization Project is Moving Forward

Williams Lake’s South Lakeside has been approved for a “bold, bold” revitalization project.

The Lake City’s City Council approved the final draft for the Waterfront Enhancement Plan that Councillors Scott Nelson and Joan Flaspohler say “will significantly revitalize the area and increase livability.”

The Plan was first brought forward and started the consulting phases by the previous city council. City staff went through public consultation that included open houses, information boards, and surveys, all to see how the public wanted to make the South Lakeside usable.

The Plan will see a revamp of the Scout Island corridor down South Lakeside Drive to Historic Beach. Both beaches will be completely redone, with a new Waterfront Park Plaza, a 1.5 km long boardwalk connecting the Plaza to Historic Beach, and a revitalized Historic Beach.

“It[the plan] really highlights our natural uniqueness down there,” says Councillor Nelson. “This plan creates incredible opportunities for this community. It’s beyond my imagination to tell you the truth.”

The Plaza will include a sand beach, a double boat launch, a kayak and canoe launch, a multipurpose area, a dog park, a designated parking area for Food Trucks, and its own concession area with washrooms.

A Boardwalk/Promenade will connect the new Park Plaza and Historic Beach. The proposed plan says the boardwalk would have signage placed along the walkway that will have information on local wildlife and fauna.

Historic Beach will get revamped to be more accessible and usable, with multiple entrances to the area and an open waterfront edge. The multipurpose area will have picnic tables and a communal fire pit.

“This will completely revitalize and open up that end of the lake,” Nelson says. “That’s what we’re looking for, and it’s so great to finally see this three-year-long awaited plan moving forward.”

Both areas will have natural trees and vegetation that Councillor Flaspohler says “will help lower that industrial look the town has started to have.”

“I am very excited to see this on paper in front of us, and knowing it’s moving forward,” says Flaspohler. “Livability is so important for every community right now. We want to be making sure we are building the community to the best it can be, and Williams Lake, in my opinion, has a massive amount of untouched potential.”

“We have to thank the previous council who first had this vision in the works.”

The Waterfront Enhancement Plan has a ‘phased development plan’ that will span the next five to fifteen years. Starting with the Waterfront Park Plaza and moving west down to Historic Beach.

The Williams Lake Council says moving forward on this plan is crucial for the next outlook of the city, and comes at the perfect time as they draft the new Official Community Plan.