No Fires in Parks

Even though we’re very early into the fire season, the Regional District of Central Okanagan and member municipalities ask park visitors to be aware of their surroundings.  The fire hazard is rated as high to extreme throughout the Central Okanagan.

Please remember that campfires are not allowed in any Regional District, City of Kelowna, District of West Kelowna, District of Lake Country or District of Peachland parks.   Residents are also reminded that smoking is not allowed in any Regional District park or park within the District of West Kelowna.  Under the Regional Parks Regulations Bylaw, anyone smoking or causing a fire in a Regional District park could face a minimum $100 fine.

Regional District Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “Worse yet, you wouldn’t want to be responsible for carelessly causing a fire.  Last night thanks to the quick response from Kelowna fire fighters they snuffed out a barbeque fire in the Ziprick Road area of Mission Creek Regional Park.  Last weekend it’s believed another human caused fire in Mill Creek Regional Park was extinguished thanks to the fast action of the Ellison Volunteer Fire Department.”

People visiting natural areas within the City, such as Knox Mountain Park and Crawford Falls Park, and parks in other municipalities are also asked not to smoke.

Park users and park neighbours should be vigilant; anyone noticing smoke or fire in any park should immediately call 9-1-1 and ask to be connected to their area fire department.

Register for Summer Day Camps

Do you know what your children will be doing over the summer holidays?

Youth aged five through 11 will have a blast during July and August as once again the Regional District offers another summer of Junior Naturalist Day Camps.  Trained leaders will guide budding naturalists in these three, four and five day camps at four different Regional Parks.  They’ll take part in fun activities and games, while learning about nature and our environment.

Children and youth aged five to seven years and eight to 11 years attend the camps that operate weekday mornings from 9:00 am until noon or afternoons from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  The cost for a three-day camp is $60 per child, $80 per child for a four-day camp or $100 per child for the five-day camp.

Also returning this year is a special three-day program for parents of pre-schoolers (3 and 4 year olds) at Mission Creek Regional Park.  It runs from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on August 5^th, 6^th and 7^th.  Registration for this special program is $60.

Please register at the EECO (Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan) in Mission Creek Regional Park, emailing eeco@cord.bc.ca or by calling the centre at 250-469-6140.  Program information and forms are also available on the Regional Parks Youth Summer Programs page.

For more information about the Junior Naturalists Day Camp program, dates and locations, check out ‘Your Guide to Regional Parks’.  It’s available at municipal offices, recreation and tourist info centres from Lake Country to Peachland.

Boaters Beware

The Regional Parks Services urges boat owners to use extreme caution because of the shallow water conditions around some area boat launches.  Before backing trailers and boats into the water at the launches, check that the water level is deep enough and you won’t damage your vehicle, trailer or boat.

Communications Coordinator Bruce Smith says, “Because of the lower lake levels, boaters should be aware that the Bear Creek Provincial Park boat launch is only to be used for small vessels.  Signs advising of this have been posted at the facility.  Boaters should also park in proper areas and be courteous when launching or putting their boat back on the trailer at the end of the day.”

The Regional District provides also provides boat launches at the Okanagan Centre Safe Harbour, Fintry and Killiney and these too may not be suitable for use by larger boats and trailers.

Remember as well, if you are heading out on the water, to ensure you have all the required safety equipment on board and that the equipment is in good operating order.