Roughly 22,000 people recreated on a 7 km stretch of Columbia River between Columbia Lake and Fairmont Hot Springs in 2021 alone. In the 17 km stretch between Athalmer and Radium, the numbers were lower, but no less staggering: 4,000 to 6,000 people were recorded each year. From paddling, to boating, swimming and floating, water-based recreation…