Parks remain public spaces

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: June 09, 2013 1:00 AM
Concerns that governance changes could lead to Greater Vernon parks being developed are being dismissed. The Regional District of North Okanagan board has instructed staff to have parks deemed to be local transferred from RDNO ownership to either Coldstream or Vernon depending on their location. “Once a park always a park,” said Trafford Hall, administrator, in reaction to a concern that the process could lead to other possible land uses. “All that is being done is restructuring care and control.” Even with Coldstream and Vernon on the property title, Hall insists the sites will remain public assets. Restructuring first arose because Coldstream wanted to have more input on the operation of parks considered more local in use than regional attractions. RDNO properties that will be transferred to Coldstream under the restructuring initiative include Sovereign Park, the log cabin on Kalavista Drive and the Kalavista boat launch parking lot. Titles being handed over to Vernon include Grahame Park, Sawicki Park and 10 sites on Lakeshore Road. Vernon will transfer ownership of Kal Beach to the regional district.