Kal Beach. (file photo/Vernon Matters Staff)

By Pete McIntyre

Kalamalka Lake

Groups asked to weigh in on Kal Beach plan

Jul 26, 2023 | 2:00 PM

The plan that will guide the future look and uses of Kal Beach and the surrounding public lands in Coldstream, is now looking to get input from user groups and other stakeholders.

The District of Coldstream has issued an open call for groups and organizations to provide feedback on what they would to see in that area as part of the North Kalamalka Area Plan, formerly the Head of the Lake Plan.

“The district is calling for ideas, plans, or proposals from groups and organizations for considerations in the development of the North Kalamalka Lake Area Plan,” a news release from the municipality stated.

All of the submissions will be reviewed and considered by the district’s advisory committee. The submission deadline is Sept. 15, 2023.

Input can be provided in person at the District Office, 9901 Kalamalka Road Coldstream or by email: info@coldstream.ca.

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Ryan Roycroft, Coldstream’s director of development services, said the North Kalamalka Plan is intended to look at everything to do with public lands between Pumphouse Beach to the west and the Kalavista Boat Launch to the east.

“That will include roads, sidewalks, trails, parking lots, and of course, the jewel in the crown, Kalamalka Beach,” Roycroft told Vernon Matters.

Roycroft said the district conducted a large public outreach last summer that included an online survey and direct interviews with beach users.

“With this outreach, we are looking to get input from some of the more organized groups, including user groups, conservation groups, trails groups or others. These stakeholders can offer a great perspective on the area and their interests in it,” he explained.

Roycroft expects the plan will be considered by district council throughout the winter, with an eye to having it going back out to the public for comment sometime in spring of 2024.

“Without pre-supposing an outcome, I suspect that implementation will be broken into several phases, and will probably end up budget dependent,” he said.

The district has set up a web page.

“It includes links to the council reports, initial consultation, and a map which might be helpful. We will also be keeping it updated with more information as we move forward,” Roycroft added.

Input from a survey, in-person pop-up events and key stakeholder interviews done in August and September 2022 by the consulting firm Urban Systems for the district, produced the following summary about what the public would like to see.

“Residents and visitors appreciate the special nature of the area including its beauty, geographic location and land and water activities. They desire to have a safe, clean beach and surrounding area that is easy to get to by walking, cycling or by car. There is a strong desire to increase vibrancy in the area with more restaurants, cafes and attractions, and to improve overall parking access and management to enhance the Head of the Lake experience for all,” the report by Urban Systems said.