Local resident demands answers from District on access for kiteboarding

A local resident and avid kiteboarder is urging the District of Squamish to reconsider its recent ban on kiteboarding at Sp’akw’us Feather Park and to explore alternative measures that balance safety and accessibility for the sport.

In a letter addressed to the District, Ivan Minevski highlighted the cultural and economic significance of kiteboarding to Squamish and posed detailed questions about future plans for the sport. “Kiteboarding has been an iconic part of Squamish’s waterfront for many years,” Minevski wrote. “It’s a sport that attracts visitors to our community, contributes to local businesses, and offers a unique recreational opportunity for people of all ages.”

While recognizing the safety concerns following the tragic loss of a kiteboarder this summer, Minevski described the outright ban as “shortsighted.” He called on the District to pursue “more balanced approaches” to addressing safety issues without sacrificing recreational access. In October last year, the District of Squamish permanently banned kiteboarding at Squamish Oceanfront, four months after a fatal accident at the park.

In his letter, Minevski raised several key questions:

• Access and Alternative Locations: “What other access points for kiteboarding are being considered for 2025? Is the District planning to provide alternative locations for kiteboarders during the off-season, or are we being left with no viable options?”
• Support for Kiteboarding Access: “How is the District of Squamish currently supporting kiteboarding access and safety? Does the District have any plans in place to improve infrastructure or facilities to enhance both safety and accessibility at Sp’akw’us Feather Park and other potential kiteboarding areas?”
• Funding for Safety Measures: “Has funding been allocated in the capital budgets for safety improvements at Sp’akw’us Feather Park? Specifically, will these funds be used to implement clear signage, barriers to demarcate the windsports area, and improvements to mitigate hazards like the rocky jetties? Will the budget also include community access and education initiatives to ensure that future kiteboarding activities can take place safely?”
• Future Access at Sp’akw’us Feather Park: “Is there a plan to allow kiteboarding access at Sp’akw’us Feather Park in the future, and if so, what changes are necessary? Will the District consider re-designing the park or installing safety measures to make the area suitable for kiteboarding in the off-season, or will alternative kiteboarding locations be pursued?”
• Seasonal Access for Kiteboarding: “Is there a plan to allow access at Sp’akw’us Feather Park during the next (fall 2025) off-season? What are the specific requirements or steps needed to make this happen, and how can the community assist in ensuring safe access?”
• Infrastructure Improvements: “Are there plans to improve infrastructure, such as a proper rail crossing on 3rd Avenue to the beach at the north end of the terminal (aka Bozo Beach)? I believe this is a key piece of infrastructure that would support safe and easy access to waterfront areas for kiteboarders. Is the District of Squamish considering assisting in this initiative?”
• Howe Sound Access: “What funding is being considered for ensuring access for kiteboarding in Howe Sound? Given that Howe Sound has significant potential for kiteboarding, how is the District planning to support access to this area as part of a broader strategy for the sport?”
• Rescue Services: “Does the District of Squamish recognize the importance of having a team of skilled rescue staff during the summer months? Could the District allocate community funds to establish or support a dedicated rescue team equipped with a boat and jet skis to ensure both kiteboarder safety and general waterfront safety during the summer?”

Minevski also emphasized the role of the Squamish Windsports Society (SWS) in promoting safety and recreational access. “I strongly believe that the Squamish Windsports Society has a critical role to play in ensuring the safety of the sport while enhancing the overall experience for all park users,” he wrote. He suggested that the District collaborate with the SWS to create a comprehensive plan that could include increased funding for safety staff, improved infrastructure, and potentially transforming the organization into a broader “Squamish Waterfront Safety Society.”

Minevski concluded: “I look forward to hearing about the steps the District of Squamish will take to address this issue and explore practical solutions that ensure both safety and access for kiteboarders in the future.”