KALAMOIR PARK
KALAMOIR PARK
Posted in the park.
LAST LETTER SENT - FEBRUARY 26
RDCO, your proposed plan, - currently being drafted, appears to conflict with existing legal and environmental protections and may not align with provincial conservation commitments, including those under the Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR, BC Reg. 178/2019) and the Okanagan Large Lakes Foreshore Protocol.
Conservation Obligations and Park Intent
Kalamoir Park was entrusted to the RDCO by the Province of British Columbia in 1983 with the explicit intent that it remain a conservation park. This commitment was reaffirmed in RDCO’s 2005 Kalamoir Regional Park Management Plan, which states:
“Kalamoir Regional Park was originally conceived as a nature sanctuary, a place where nature was to be enjoyed with as little impact as possible.”
“Protecting the natural environment is considered RDCO Parks’ primary responsibility.”
The 2005 plan designated five conservation management zones to protect ecologically sensitive areas. However, the 2025 proposed management plan appears to prioritize development over conservation, raising concerns about potential regulatory non-compliance.
Regulatory and Environmental Concerns
1. Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR, BC Reg. 178/2019)
RAPR was established to safeguard riparian and aquatic ecosystems from potentially harmful development activities. The proposed Active Transportation Corridor (ATC) raises the following concerns:
Possible encroachment into the legally protected 30-meter Riparian Assessment Area (RAA) adjacent to Okanagan Lake.
Potential impacts on riparian vegetation, erosion, and sedimentation.
RDCO’s Aquatic Resource and Riparian Protection guidelines emphasize that “local government must protect riparian areas from development.”
2. Okanagan Large Lakes Foreshore Protocol
The foreshore of Okanagan Lake is ecologically significant, with strict guidelines to prevent erosion and water quality degradation. The ATC proposal raises concerns regarding:
Increased erosion risk and landscape alterations.
Potential increases in runoff, turbidity, and pollution into Okanagan Lake.
Deviation from conservation best practices intended to preserve foreshore integrity.
Given these concerns, I request that RDCO:
1. Conduct a review of the proposed Active Transportation Corridor’s compliance with environmental regulations and conservation commitments.
2. Explore alternative solutions that would support both regional mobility needs and environmental stewardship.
3. Ensure that Kalamoir Park retains its conservation-focused designation, in accordance with its original purpose and legal commitments.
Three reasons E-bikes may seem like an eco-friendly option, but they can present challenges in conservation parks and may not be ideal for Conservation Park such as Kalamoir Park
1. Disruption to Wildlife: The noise and speed of e-bikes can disturb wildlife in conservation parks. Many species rely on quiet environments to thrive, and the sound of motorized vehicles may cause stress, disrupt natural behaviors, or drive animals away from critical habitats.
2. Trail Damage: E-bikes, especially when used on trails not designed for motorized vehicles, can cause more wear and tear on delicate ecosystems. Their increased speed and weight can lead to erosion, soil compaction, and damage to plant life, which can be difficult to restore in sensitive areas.
3. Encouraging Overuse: With the ease and speed of e-bikes, more people may be encouraged to access remote or protected areas that would otherwise be less frequented. This can lead to overcrowding, increased foot traffic, and strain on the park's resources, negatively affecting its conservation efforts.
These factors highlight the potential environmental and ecological impacts e-bikes can have when used in conservation areas.
Kalamoir Park has long been valued as a nature sanctuary, and any development should be carefully evaluated to ensure that it does not compromise its ecological integrity. We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response outlining the next steps your office may take in reviewing the proposed plan.
Sincerely,
George Lake
President, Casa Loma Community Association
info@casalomacommunity.com
To view previous letters they are link below
