The District of Houston is inviting community members to celebrate the completion of a new dock on Irrigation Lake.
The celebration is set to take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28, and attendees are encouraged to bring non-motorized watercraft such as canoes, kayaks and paddle boards, or floats, the District said in a Facebook post. Everyone who brings a watercraft or float will be eligible for entry into a door prize, the post said, and a free barbecue dinner will be served at 5 p.m.
The new dock is accessible and provides an easier way for people living with disabilities to access the water, particularly with watercraft. The project also includes an expansion to the parking area and a dedicated boat launch for small, non-motorized watercraft.
Jonathan Dieleman, a Houston community member, who uses a wheelchair, visited the dock July 28 and posted to Instagram that he was pleased with the new amenities.
"Went to check out the new accessible dock at Irrigation Lake! Was a neat little activity," wrote Dieleman. "Now people of all abilities can get out on this lake and fish and swim! Thanks to all who had a hand in getting this in place!"
The idea for an accessible dock at Irrigation Lake dates back to at least 2023, when the District considered applying for grants to fund the project, but ultimately decided to pause the initiative as District staff found in their research that the project's cost would exceed the amount of grant money available at the time.
The lake used to have two docks, but by 2023 they were gone, leaving one outhouse, picnic tables, fire pits, benches and a small strip of beach.
Irrigation Lake is also stocked by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. Motorized boats are not permitted.
The District thanked the Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre Houston Office for assisting with the event.
鈥擶ith files from Rod Link
