A plan to develop a park around a popular Commonage Road pond has passed the first hurdle.
Directors with the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee (GVAC) voted to recommend the Regional District of North Okanagan board receive the Rose's Pond Preliminary Development Plan, and that RDNO staff proceed with First Nations engagement prior to applying for Crown tenure, and Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) Approval.
The park development plan was identified as a priority in the Greater Vernon Trails and Natural Spaces (GVTNS) master plan 2022-32.
"The site is a 53-hectare parcel of Crown land located west of Commonage Road, encompassing Rose's Pond and surrounding area," wrote RDNO staff in a report to GVAC directors. "The area is recognized for its high ecological value and potential for passive recreation."
Staff recommend Rose’s Pond is best managed as Conservation with Passive Recreation, consistent with the GVTNS master plan.
The site contains sensitive ecosystems, species at risk, and environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs), which have been carefully considered in the trail and amenity design.
Key features of the proposed development:
• A three-metre wide surfaced multi-use Lookout Trail providing accessible access from the parking area to a primary viewing platform;
• Additional nature trails forming loop options while avoiding ESAs and sensitive wildlife habitats; and
• A 30-stall parking area, way-finding and interpretive signage, and garbage receptacles.
The staff report said an Archaeological Overview Assessment (AOA) was completed, which found there are no registered archaeological sites within the proposed development area. However, the AOA states that there is potential for unregistered sites due to the significant First Nations history in the Commonage, so a Preliminary Field Review (PFR) with the Okanagan Indian Band is recommended.
"Staff recommend proceeding with further public engagement that includes First Nations," said the report, adding Crown tenure and ALC applications would be made following that engagement.
RDNO said extensive public feedback was received during the GVTNS master planning process, which has informed the preliminary design. The development potential is limited due to the high conservation values of the site, and further public consultation is unlikely to significantly alter the proposed plan.
The plan already incorporates accessibility features, including a surfaced trail to the primary viewing platform, which ensures inclusive access while minimizing the ecological impact.
A phase approach, said staff, allows the RDNO to respectfully engage with First Nations and incorporate their input before advancing regulatory applications.
Based on what it calls "typical Crown tenure processing timelines," capital funding for Rose's Pond is planned for inclusion in the GVTNS five-year capital plan in 2028, with a preliminary allocation of $300,000.
"This estimate will be refined once First Nations engagement is complete and ALC requirements are confirmed," said the report.
