The long-awaited Kayak/Canoe launch planned for the Riverbank Discovery Centre in Brandon will soon be installed and ready to use this week Tuesday.

General Manager of the Discovery Centre, James Montgomery, says they've had the plan in place for quite some time, but had to wait for the Assiniboine River water level to recede.

"So, we're really excited to be finally opening it on Tuesday," he shares.  "Anybody can use it.  A trail will lead from south of the [Discovery] Centre, down our little switch-back trail, to an existing platform reaching out into the Assiniboine River.  The kayak dock will be built off of the platform extending about 100 feet into the river."

The project comes to $179,000 funded through federal grants, a Brandon Area Community Foundation grant and cost input by the City of Brandon.

Montgomery says the launch site is a protected area, perfect for lowering a smaller water craft, and they will have kayaks and a canoe for rent by the hour, with paddles and life jackets available as well.

"This year we're going to have a full summer of use so we're really looking forward to it and getting people out and about on the Assiniboine here!"

"I've gone through Brandon many times myself on a canoe and canoed most of the Little Saskatchewan [River] all the way to Spruce Woods and its a great trip!"

Please listen to more of the interview with James Montgomery and CJRB's Barry Lamb on the new kayak/canoe cove launch site in along the Assiniboine in Brandon.