Ellison Provincial Park. (submitted photo)

By Pete McIntyre

Popular Okanagan parks to get upgrades

Jan 22, 2021 | 10:45 AM

Two provincial parks in the Okanagan are among 24 in B.C. targeted for improvements.

The province is investing $5 million for infrastructure projects that should be done in the spring.

At Ellison Park south of Vernon, a popular camping spot, the campground entrance road, campground loop roads and day-use parking area are being repaved to replace the patchwork of seal coat and asphalt patches.

Bear Creek Park on the west side of Okanagan Lake near Kelowna is another popular camping destination. To enhance visitor experience, electrical services are being added to another 35 campsites in the park campground, in addition to the 21 electrical sites installed in 2018.

“We have seen how parks play a huge role in our lives when it comes to bringing families, friends and communities together,” Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee, said. “British Columbians have pride in their provincial parks, and these upgrades to Ellison Park, along with other provincial parks in the Okanagan, ensure we can all access to these beautiful natural spaces.”

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New accessible pit toilets and a mobi-mat, which improves accessibility for wheelchairs over loose or low traction surfaces, are being added to Kokanee Creek Park. Located east of Nelson, the park is known for its sandy beaches, hiking trails and three campgrounds. Upgrades are being made to the drinking water system at Wasa Lake Park north of Cranbrook and Syringa Park near Castlegar.

Other infrastructure projects throughout the province include upgrades to water systems, parking lots, multi-use trails, campground facilities, backcountry facilities and accessibility improvements. Electric vehicle charging stations will be added to some day-use areas in northwest B.C.

“We have heard the call for greater access to the outdoors to promote health and well-being during COVID-19. These meaningful projects create jobs to address those needs as part of our support for B.C. communities,” George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy said. “Investing in provincial parks also protects sensitive ecosystems, supports our climate change goals and makes parks more accessible for everyone to enjoy.”

B.C.’s provincial parks receive more than 23 million visits each year.

During the last three years, 1,205 new campsites have been added to provincial parks and recreation sites throughout the province. A new fully serviced, 90-site campground in Manning Park is under construction and set to open in the spring.