A new proposal dealing with canal use is being considered by Indianapolis City-County councilors.
The Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee passed the proposal that would prohibit activities including swimming, fishing and kayaking in the canal. Department of Metropolitan Development CFO/COO Rusty Carr said there are already signs asking people to not to do these things but no way to enforce them.
“So we’re in a little bit of a legal grey area and with that certainly comes some potential liability if someone were to be injured in the water itself,” Carr said.
The move would mean people could receive a citation for violations.
Carr said approved events are and will still be allowed in the canal including certain races or a movie night. Operations will continue for the vendors downtown that currently provide gondolas and small watercraft for people to rent.
The proposal now heads to the full council and if passed will go into effect July 1.