Update: deadline extended to share thoughts and help plan future of parks, trails and water access
By Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The window has been left open for another week to give an opinion on the region’s parks, trails and water access in the regional district.
Although it was expected to end June 19, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) announced it would extend the deadline for survey submissions to June 26.
Click here to fill out the survey.
Click here to submit a comment on the interactive map.
Late last month the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) embarked on a month-long engagement process to support the development of a regional parks, trails, and water access strategy, engaging people through an online survey.
The strategy is expected to help inform the planning, decision-making, and management of the Regional Parks and Trails Services over the next 10 years in the RDCK.
Towards that end, the RDCK is seeking residents input to hear their thoughts on the current state and future of regional parks, trails, and water access points in the RDCK.
“Our goal at the RDCK is to provide top-notch nature-based recreation opportunities while supporting the economic, social, and environmental objectives of the region,” said Trisha Davison, RDCK regional manager of Recreation and Client Services. “To achieve this, we’re crafting a Regional Parks, Trails, and Water Access Strategy to guide our efforts for the next 10 years.”
Through the information gathered in the engagement period a clearer understanding of the existing parks, trails, and water access areas will be developed, as well as well of how the needs of residents are being met, what opportunities can be pursued in the future, and the RDCK can make it happen.
“We value input from all residents, whether you are a regular user of parks, trails or water access points or not,” said Davison. “Resident feedback will help guide our efforts to enhance these vital resources and ensure we are moving in the direction RDCK residents want.”
Residents can share their thoughts placing points and adding comments onto an interactive map.
- People can learn more about how to participate in the Regional Parks, Trails and Water Access Strategy engagement process at engage.rdck.ca.
What are water access areas?
Public access to the waterfront is provided along road rights-of-way that end at the foreshore.
In regional districts the rights-of-ways are owned by the Province and are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI).
To make use of water accesses for park or trail purposes, the RDCK must seek a permit from MoTI.
Source: Regional District of Central Kootenay
The bottom line
The Regional Parks, Trails and Water Access Strategy will help inform planning, decision-making, and management of the Regional Parks and Trails Services over the next 10 years.
The strategy will aim to:
- Assess current parks, trails, and water access points;
- Evaluate their effectiveness in meeting community needs;
- Identify future opportunities; and
- Develop a plan for implementation.
Source: Regional District of Central Kootenay
For more information about the Regional Parks, Trails and Water Access Strategy engagement process and how to share thoughts, visit engage.rdck.ca.
