West Arm Outdoors Club, Nelson Hydro join forces to erect a fishing platform on West Arm of Kootenay Lake
By Nelson Daily Staff
What could have been a problematic issue in Procter was resolved through cooperation between the West Arm Outdoors Club (WAOC) and Nelson Hydro said WAOC President Gord Grunerud in a media release.
Grunerud said the wildlife organization has been working on building a fishing platform just east of downtown Procter — across from the Balfour ferry terminal — for more than five years.
Pilings have been driven and walkways are expected to be installed in the coming months.
This is in close proximity to where Nelson Hydro is running their line as part of the Outlet area upgrades.
Nelson Hydro amended their routing slightly and provided mechanical assistance to club members replacing I-beam cross members with box beams to ensure proper engineering specifications.
In turn, the club worked within Nelson Hydro’s scheduling and has adapted a section of walkway to ensure the utility has easy access should it be needed in the future.
“We really appreciated Hydro’s understanding, and the assistance they provided with their on-site vehicle made switching out the beams so much easier,” said WAOC President Gord Grunerud.
“Thanks to their equipment, what was looking to be a big task for club members was a breeze.”
Nelson Hydro’s project manager Doug Pickard was also pleased.
“The guys were understanding, cooperative and didn’t impede our work at all. It was nice to be able to lessen their workload with equipment that was on-site.”
The fishing platform will enable children, those without boats and the physically impaired to fish in the West Arm. The $100,000 project will feature wheelchair- accessible ramps and walkways with a 32 X 20 foot fishing platform attached.
“Lots of kids used to fish off the old wharf that was here,” said Grunerud.
“When we finally get it built we hope it will attract anglers of all ages, especially those just starting out in the sport. They are the future members of the club.”
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