More land added to regional parks

Two regional parks in the Central Okanagan are being expanded.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan has announced the purchase of two separate pieces of land, which will give residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

A new 10.6-hectare (26.19 acre) property at the end of Whitworth Road has been purchased for $2.2-million. The land will be added to Goats Peak Regional Park.

When this area is open later this summer, it will provide legal access from Whitworth Road and a connection to Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park. RDCO said the purchase ensures critical ecosystems, habitat, species at risk and important First Nations values are protected while providing opportunities for planned trail connections.

The project also involved funding from the Canadian gGovernment of Canada through the Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada. A contribution of $200,000 was made through the Habitat Stewardship Program.

A new 4.05-hectare (10 acre) parcel of land at 2605 Hebert Road will be added to Glen Canyon Regional Park. With a cost of $910,000, the property straddles Powers Creek, and will allow future trail connections and new trail development while protecting key riparian lands.

4.05-hectare parcel of land at 2605 Hebert Road will be added to Glen Canyon Regional Park. (Image credit: RDCO)

RDCO said during the pandemic, regional park visitation has increased as people seek safe, outdoor recreational options.

These land acquisitions will provide more park availability in the future while protecting significant and unique Okanagan ecosystems and wildlife habitat.

RDCO chair Loyal Wooldridge said creating connected regional parks are a priority of the RDCO and vital for the wellbeing of all community members.

“This also safeguards the environment and the cultural significance of traditional lands of the syilx Okanagan people. We are creating an opportunity to honour the true history of these lands while promoting outdoor recreational spaces for the enjoyment of everyone.”

“Westbank First Nation and the Regional District have worked closely to safeguard these traditional lands which since time immemorial have held great significance for our people, ” said Westbank First Nation chief Christopher Derickson. “We are all responsible for ensuring the land remains intact and healthy to support the generations to come.”

The Regional District maintains and operates 30 regional parks and 20 RDCO community parks. Find all the locations at rdco.com/parks.