Mayumi Van Der Pol was having a Rotary meeting dinner conversation with visiting Rotarian Lori Balogh from Red Deer when she was asked if the Nakusp promenade was illuminated at night.
“That one question” Van Der Pol points out “made me think of what an excellent idea it would be to light up the waterfront.”
Working under the umbrella of the Nakusp Rotary, Van Der Pol set into motion researching the possibilities of installing artistic lighting along the Nakusp waterfront walkway. Her research unearthed the award winning lighting company Artistic Lighting Design based in Kelowna. The company, owned and operated by Jordy Olsoff and Candace Weimer has an impressive resume of successful lighting projects including private residences, sculptures and businesses; notably the Quail’s Gate Winery.
Van Der Pol invited Olsoff and Weimer to set up a demonstration that would highlight illumination opportunities for the waterfront and invited Rotarians, village office officials, members of Parks and Recreation and Ray Nichol (of Valley Landscapes) to participate in a viewing and brainstorming session.
“We are here to discuss three things” Van Der Pol explained to the group, “how lights can make the waterfront more beautiful, what will be the cost and how can we maintain this project.”
Olsoff and Weimer guided the group through the ins and outs of artistic illumination echoing their company’s guiding premise of “painting the night with light.” As the sunlight faded the walkway took on new life as a variety of LED lights accentuated the natural and manmade shapes along the waterfront.
The group enthusiastically discussed a variety of questions and explored technical alternatives like solar lighting and design goals. Concerns were raised by several members who reflected on the possibility of incurring vandalism as a result of the illumination, which in turn raised questions about maintenance.
The demonstration was well received by the group and the buzz of conversation suggested an interest in pursuing this idea further. Van Der Pol identifies that the next step would be to discuss and formalize the design detail and cost during the Rotary Club’s July assembly. The finalized proposal would then be taken to the village council for support and approval.
The Nakusp walkway was constructed after the Arrow Lakes damning in 1960 when a cement wall was installed with the intention of preventing possible erosion caused by fluctuating water levels. Until the 90’s the path along the walkway was nothing more than a dirt trail. Mayor Karen Hamling, who was involved in the paving and development of the walkway as then councilor, was intrigued by the lighting demonstration and is “looking forward to the Rotary Club’s presentation to council.”