Success Stories

Even at this beginning stage of the Kamloops River and Lake Access Initiative, we have already had some early successes. We have made headway in gathering signatories for our letter to city hall and now have the support of several local paddling clubs.

We have met with the city parks and recreations manager and the city has agreed to make improvements to the beach access at the Tournament Capital Ranch including the removal of old barb wire, better parking and signage, and some minor improvements to the beach access trail.

Keiran Rankin recently made a presentation to the Rotary Club of Kamloops in which many of these highly dedicated and well-connected business leaders and citizens expressed their interest in the cause and some have offered to provide guidance and support for the initiative.

Progress is underway, and we hope to share many more good news stories about our achievement improving river and lake access around Kamloops soon!

Improvements to the Tournament Capital Ranch Beach Access

Below are several images of the beach access at the Tournament Capital Ranch in Rayleigh including some of the dangerous barb wire. The city has agreed to remove much of the barb wire and improve the trail to the beach as a result of our communication and advice to them.

A view towards the beach and the historic pilings from this location's former use as a river barge docking complex for a Canadian Armed Forces munitions depot. The history of this location is fascinating!

Some of the dangerous barb wire crossing the trail at places which will soon be removed by the city allowing for safer river access, especially for pets and children.

The current trail to the beach in need of a little love including the removal of old barb wire fences that are falling over and no longer serve a purpose.

Satellite view of the Tournament Capital Ranch and ballpark. The beach is very interesting because of the old pilings and resulting unique river bed formations. It also has many wonderful skipping stones! There is a powerful eddy line off the top pilings for practice by experienced moving-water paddlers - a rarity in Kamloops. Caution should be taken here with children and pets here. At high water the current is very powerful and the pilings can be hazardous!