8 Unexpected Benefits Of Lakefront Living
“Kelowna Waterfront ... 8 Unexpected Benefits to Okanagan Lakefront living” - by Angela B
Here's WHY you should make your next lakefront home a Kelowna waterfront property!
8 Reasons We LOVE Kelowna!
1) Sun, Sage, Sand, Water and .....
Can you imagine waking up every morning greeted by the sun rising over the glistening surface of the lake, and the sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore? Okay, I get it - there are a lot of lakes in Canada, and not that we want any, but how about if we throw in a genuinely natural lack of mosquitos? These are only a few of the many delightful benefits we Kelowna residents get to enjoy. Whether you're a retiree looking for a peaceful place to settle down or a young family seeking adventure, honestly .... the Okanagan has something for everyone.
2) No Shortage of Waterfront Living Lifestyle Options - With Vernon, Kelowna, and Penticton being the largest cities.
Did you know this valley has over 80 stunning lakes (really - well, at least according to an AI search of Google), each with its own unique, special features. From the cities of Vernon, Lake Country, and Kelowna to Peachland, Summerland, and Penticton along its shores, each are nestled by orchards and vineyards.
And in the south valley, you'll delight in the wildly popular and summer-time favorite, tiny beachfront town of Osoyoos - which has excellent bass fishing, by the way.
In Kelowna, you'll find the bustling downtown beach scene at Okanagan Lake, with many beautiful waterfront parks, where you can take a boardwalk stroll along the lake.
Kelowna's premier areas have gorgeous neighborhoods and lovely homes with private moorage.
If you like you can travel a bit by road, or discover by boat the secluded waterfront parks along Okanagan Lake and south to the warm waters of Skaha Lake.
North by road, you'll find access to the secluded coves of Kalamalka Lake (the lake of many colors), or head south to the idyllic settings of Penticton (home to Penticton Ironman), Kaleden, Okanagan Falls, and Vaseaux Lake.
And even further south you'll find Gallagher Lake minutes north of Canada's Wine Capital of Oliver, and then continuing south is Canada's desert-climate border town of Osoyoos and Lake Osoyoos.
Valley-wide there's no shortage of waterfront living lifestyle options.
3) Healthiest Lifestyle Options In Canada
Okay - total transparency: I have to admit I am really biased on this. You'll find most people living in this valley are super health conscious. You'll LOVE our local Farmer's Markets!
And, THE #1, SINGLE most highly prized privileges of lakefront living are the health benefits that come with being surrounded by nature everywhere. Studies such as one published by the Journal of Environmental Psychology have found that people living near water are happier and more satisfied with their lives, and that waterfront living can help reduce stress, improve mental health, lower blood pressure with increasing feelings of wellbeing and happiness.
4) Fabulous Social Life
Surprise benefit - lakefront living isn't just good for your health; it's also great for your social life! Whether you're hosting a family barbecue or throwing a summer soiree, lakefront properties provide the perfect location for entertaining.
And with so many lakes of every size, shape and depth, you're sure to find a delightfully vibrant community that an absolute perfect fit for you.
I have to warn you about something truly shocking. Once you move here, you'll discover relatives you never knew you had - they'll just show up or call out of the blue. And if they haven't planned ahead, well, you may end up with extra visitors. 🙃
5) Vibrant Communities Of Every Size
One of the most popular lakefront oasis in the Okanagan Valley is Lake Country. You'll find it smack dab between Kelowna and Vernon. This rapidly growing community offers a variety of housing options, from single-family homes to luxurious waterfront condos.
Residents of all ages enjoy easy access to both Okanagan Lake and Wood Lake, as well as a variety of hiking and biking trails.
You'll also love our orchards, and peach pies, cherry pies, apricots, and fruit of all kinds.
Watch local schedules for ongoing Festivals, Celebrations, Events, Concerts, Iron Man, Car Racing, Antique Cars, and Super Cars - and beachside evening music under the stars!
6) The West Side and West Kelowna
Another popular community is West Kelowna, located on the western side of Okanagan Lake. This rapidly growing area features a variety of shopping and dining options, as well as numerous wineries and vineyards, along with a variety of waterfront properties, from rustic cabins to modern condos, from lakeside to mountain high - you can enjoy skiing on the edge of town, or big powder a little further out, while down in the valley below, things are blossoming!
You have to check out Bear Creek Provincial Park a little north of Hwy 97 along Westside Road, or one of the many parks in the Okanagan~
7) Peachland and Summerland
Are two distinctly different and delightful Lakefront Communities that are worth exploring for a little quieter side of living along with endless beachfront parks like Sun Oka Beach by Trout Creek and miles of walkways. In and around town you discover quaint shops, artisans, yummy bakeries, fruit stands, and many other attractions.
8) Sports, Lifestyle and Nature - all rolled up in to One Fabulous Location
From waterfront living, water skiing, sailing, swimming, kayaking, para-sailing, paddle-boarding, fishing, snorkeling and more water sports than you can imagine, to wilderness adventures, steam trains, championship golf courses to the heavenly powder alpine ski resorts like Silver Star, Big White, Apex and Baldy, to vineyards and wineries, from sky-diving to racing (including supercar racing) and Penticton's Ironman a little further south ....
Experience the Okanagan - truly a legendary place place I get to call home and help new families find home here too.
Who knows, maybe one day I'll meet you.
Many families come for a visit and stay for a lifetime - but be aware - book well in advance!
As a side note - of course it's no surprise, lakefront properties do come with a premium price tag - all totally searchable here
According to the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board, the average sale price of a waterfront property in the area was excess of $1.28 million back in 2020. While this may seem steep at first, it's important to remember that the highly prized benefits of owning your very own chunk of lakefront are well worth the investment.
Many of us Kelowna residents and most especially lakefront owners agree "It's not how much you've invested, it's all about how much more "quality of life you get to live".
Life should be for the enjoyment of living - why not add a little ENJOYMENT to yours!
Here's to wishing you your BEST life!
PS - REVIEW my Foreshore Mini-Guide for FAQ's about how to go about getting a permit to access an use the waterfront in front of your property ... see below!
Kelowna Waterfront ...
Foreshore Permit Mini-Guide:
How to Obtain Lakefront Foreshore Rights in British Columbia: A Comprehensive Mini-Guide
Are you a landowner wishing to have exclusive access to the foreshore of a beautiful lake or river in interior British Columbia? Perhaps you want to build a dock, swim, or fish without having to share the space with the public. Whatever your reasons may be, acquiring the right to use this prime waterfront real estate can be a complicated process. This mini-guide will outline for you some of the steps you need to take to obtain lakefront foreshore rights in BC.
Before we begin, it’s critical to understand what foreshore rights are and why they matter. Foreshore refers to the land bordering a body of water that is regularly covered and uncovered by tides or water levels. Without the proper authorization, private landowners do not automatically have the right to access or build structures on this land.
Acquiring the right to foreshore access can significantly increase the value of your property and allow you to enjoy its recreational activities. It's important to note that, in British Columbia, all foreshore lands below the high water mark are the property of the Crown and can only be accessed through a permit or tenure issued by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD). Once granted, tenures and permits are typically valid for twenty-five years, and it's up to the licensee to renew them. Additionally, if your lands are on "navigable waters", you will need the approval of the Canadian federal government.
So, how do you acquire a foreshore permit or tenure?
Here are the steps you need to take:
Determine eligibility for foreshore rights
Before you invest time and money in getting a foreshore tenure or permit, make sure you are eligible. Landowners who can apply for foreshore rights include those with a habitable permanent residence on private land bordering a body of water. In some cases, land that borders on navigable rivers or lakes may also be eligible.Hire a shoreline professional
To get foreshore rights, you will need to submit an application that includes several legal and technical documents. For these, it is highly recommended to hire a shoreline professional, such as a land surveyor or engineer who specializes in foreshore development. They will help you to identify, map, and assess the shoreline environment, determine the potential for erosion, and create a plan for development.Prepare a foreshore development plan
Creating a foreshore development plan is a crucial step in obtaining foreshore rights. Plans should reflect your desired use and take into account provincial law, environmental protection, and public access. Plans must demonstrate that the development proposed is safe, feasible, and environmentally sustainable. They should be made in consultation with local government, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders on issues that may affect the foreshore.Submit a foreshore requirements package
Once you have prepared the foreshore development plan, the next step is to prepare a foreshore requirements package to submit to FLNRORD. This package includes a shoreline development plan, surveys, environmental assessments, and cultural heritage assessments. Your shoreline professional can guide you through the process of arranging for the package's submission and provide an estimate of the costs.Wait for permissions from the Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, and the federal government, if applicable.
Allow for some time for the approval process to run its course. The timeline for approval may vary depending on the level of development and geographic location. It can take up to a year to receive approval from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development in some cases.
After receiving approval, FLNRORD will issue a foreshore lease, license, or tenure for the agreed-upon duration. The terms of these agreements typically include conditions on what can and cannot be done on the foreshore, including obligations for environmental stewardship, public access, and property rights.
In summary, obtaining foreshore rights for any lakefront or river property requires a thorough, step-by-step, approach, with assistance from knowledgeable and experienced professionals. (Boring? - Maybe - but if you want lakefront and access to your foreshore ... make the smart choice and hire the right people!)
If you are looking to buy a property that already has a constructed dock, boat launch or boat house, you will want to get verification of permitted works, a copy of the foreshore permit, and remember to have your lawyer draft proper documentation to have those permits extended to or transferred to you as the new owner. Caution: If there are no permits in place for an existing dock or work on the foreshore, and you buy the property, you will likely be on the hook for the cost of its demise and to put the land back to it's natural state, not to mention having to start the application process for a new dock.
Remember alterations require appropriate approvals and permits.
As always, first ensure you've done your homework, and with a proper shoreline/foreshore professional, you can take steps to get the property you want, and the required permissions to enjoy access to the beauty that awaits!
Sources:
Government of British Columbia (2021). "Foreshore Permits for Private Property Owners. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-resource-use/land-use/crown-land-reserves/foreshore-permits-private-property-owners
Government of British Columbia (2021). "Navigation and Foreshore". https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-resource-use/land-use/crown-land-reserves/navigation-foreshore
Coastal Resource Mapping Ltd. (2021). "How to get a Foreshore Lease, License or Tenure" https://coastalresourcemapping.com/how-to-get-a-foreshore-lease-license-or-tenure/
https://www.obwb.ca/fileadmin/docs/riparian_regulations_BC_Gov.pdf
https://tc.canada.ca/en/programs/navigation-protection-program/apply-npp