Planning Initiatives

Planning and Development

The Parks and Recreation Department manages and maintains approximately 90 hectares (225 acres) of parkland within Electoral Area Westside, encompassing neighborhoods from the Westside Road to the community of Glenrosa.

The park planning and development division of the Parks and Recreation Department oversees the planning, acquisition and design of your park spaces on the Westside. Our park planners work together with community groups to develop recreational amenities within your parks.

Follow the links on volunteering or ways to give for more information on how you can contribute to the development of the parks in your neighborhood.

Current Projects

There are a number of planning & development projects underway in the Parks & Recreation Department. The Department is responsible for a wide variety of park planning projects, from long-term planning initiatives that address the future recreational needs of Westside residents to short-term projects that will be completed within a year. Please see below for more information on the park development projects were working on.

Long Term Projects

• Westside Parks & Recreation Masterplan

  Follow the link to view the Westside Parks & Recreation Masterplan.

   

• Mount Boucherie Multiplex Phase 2 Expansion

  In December of 2003 a referendum for the Mount Boucherie Multiplex was passed by a 73% majority (5759 voters, 4213 yes votes). The referendum was to approve the construction of a second sheet of ice and associated expansion of the existing arena.

  Tentative Project Timeline:  As of December 1st, final design drawings are complete and working drawings are underway.  The Regional Board has approved moving ahead with the proposed 1,300 seat Multiplex and initial tendering is expected to begin shortly.  Site preparation work is underway and construction should begin during spring 2005 with completion in the spring of 2006.

  The Mount Boucherie Expansion Society has launched several fundraising initiatives to raise $400,000 for amenities not included in the construction project, including a sports floor, portable stage, theatre-style seating and a sound system.  For more information on how you can participate in the "Share in the Legacy" program,  please contact the Expansion Society at 317-6480, visit the website , or email: mbexp@shaw.ca .  The Society has committed to raise an additional $150,000 to help offset any shortfall in the Multiplex capital budget or will be used to fund future phases of the Mount Boucherie Community Centre Master Plan.

   

• Mount Boucherie Phase 3 Concept Plan

  The Regional Board has given approval in principle to the Mount Boucherie Phase 3 Concept Plan.  A detailed development plan and feasibility study will be conducted during 2005.  The revised plan is needed as a result of changes to the Phase 2 expansion and the expansion of the adjoining Secondary school by School District No. 23.  View the Concept Plan Report to the Board and Concept Drawings.

   

• Gellatly Waterfront Masterplan

  The Gellatly Waterfront is a group of parks spaces and trails located between Rotary Park on Boucherie Road and Marina Park (near the Westbank Yacht Club) at the southern end of Gellatly Road on the Westside of Okanagan Lake. It is a popular place, used by all who enjoy recreational activities outdoors alongside the lake.
  
  The Gellatly Bay area has become one of the most popular waterfront destinations for residents of the Westside. In recognition of this and in an effort to meet the needs of the growing Westside population, the Regional District Parks & Recreation Department has initiated the Gellatly Waterfront Masterplan to determine future park needs for this public waterfront area.
  
  The Gellatly Waterfront Masterplan is a process that commenced in the Spring of 2003 to determine a clear and enduring vision for the future of the waterfront park spaces. A project partner team has formed for the masterplan process, with representatives from the following key community organizations: the Gellatly Bay Trails and Parks Society, Rotary Club of Westbank, Westbank Neighborhood Association, Westbank Yacht Club, Westside Parks and Recreation Commission and the Regional District Parks and Recreation Department.
  
  Please refer to the draft Gellatly Waterfront Masterplan document for more information.

  Page 18 View the Existing Conditions Plan.

  Page 19 View the Concept Design Plan.

   

• Westbank Town Centre Recreation Facilities and Parks Masterplan

  The Regional Board has adopted the Final Report for the Westbank Town Centre Recreation Facilities and Parks Masterplan.  It was prepared by Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants after three public meetings, a survey and stakeholder consultations and identifies possible long-term park, recreation and facility needs in the Westbank Town Centre area. 

  View the Westbank Town Centre Recreation Facilities & Parks Masterplan
  View the Survey Results
  View Consultant Panels (2 MB)
  View image of Draft Report Preferred Option for Johnson Bentley Memorial Aquatic Centre

   

• Your Community, Your Parks Westside Neighborhood Park Development Strategy
  

  The parks planning and development division is currently working on a five-year strategy for all Westside Neighborhood Parks. There are approximately 34 neighborhood parks and that number continues to grow each year. To date, less than half of those neighborhood park spaces are developed. The parks planning and development division currently works with community groups on a 50:50 cost share basis to develop these park spaces.

   

• Playspace Partners Program

  Park planning and development staff have implemented a new program to oversee the management of all Regional District owned playgrounds on the Westside. The program will involve the upgrading and replacement of existing play equipment and the installation of new playgrounds in your Westside parks. For more information on how to improve the playground in your regional district park or to find out how a playground could be installed in your neighborhood park, please contact the Westside Parks and Recreation Department.

   

• Westside Official Community Plan Update

  The Regional District Planning Services Department is in the process of updating the current official community plan for the Westside. Please refer to the Planning Services Department section for more information on the OCP Update.

2004 Planning and Development Projects

• Kinsmen Athletic Park Park Entrance Design and Gazebo Enhancement

  Stay tuned for more information on your local athletic park. Kinsmen Athletic Park, located on Shannon Lake Road will be getting a facelift this year, with proposed improvements planned for the park entrance and gazebo.

   

• Westbank Yacht Club Parking Lot Upgrades

  As of Monday July 20th, paving was completed for the parking lot at the Westbank Yacht Club and the Gellatly Boat Launch on Gellatly Road.  The work was completed one week ahead of schedule and was a partnership between the Regional District and the Yacht Club in an attempt to control the dust problems and provide other enhancements.

Contact Information

Parks & Recreation Planning and Development
Telephone: (250) 868-5204 or (250) 868-5222