Parks

Policy 10.2.1. Connected Parks.
Maximize the value and accessibility of the parks network through landscaped and pedestrian-friendly connections.  Link active parks, public spaces, natural areas, and the waterfront with green corridors including: linear parks, shared spaces, Active Transportation Corridors, public pathways, and improved streetscapes and landscaping design.

Policy 10.2.2. Parks on Streets.
To supplement park place in Urban Centres, and the Core Area, consider repurposing underused or redundant streets to provide additional public amenity space, through a permanent transition from vehicular to park use, for portions of public road right-of-way. Approaches could include, but are not limited to:

• Conversion of unused rights-of-way and laneways;
• Increased boulevards as park space;
• Increased tree canopy; and
• Programs to facilitate neighbourhood activities and events.

Streets with potential to be investigated include, but are not limited to, Kingsway Street, Martin Avenue, Grenfell Avenue and Morrison Avenue.

Policy 10.2.3. Shared Spaces as Gathering Places.
Utilize streets for park uses that are underused for vehicle traffic outside of peak hours, particularly those adjacent to parks and other public realm spaces, to provide additional public amenity space. Approaches could include:

• Temporary closures at weekends and/or evenings;
• Different road materials and other traffic calming measures to give priority to pedestrians; and
• Programs to facilitate neighbourhood activities and events.

Policy 10.2.4. Urban Linear Parks.
Reclaim underutilized land within street Right-of-Way to create urban linear parks, to achieve a greater balance between the pedestrian and vehicular realm for local streets with low vehicular demand, as outlined on Map 10.1. Animate urban linear parks with elements similar to traditional parks such as trees, ornamental plantings, community gardens, seating areas, small-scale play equipment and other amenities. Installations may be temporary or permanent.

Policy 10.2.5. Linear Parks.
Continue to work towards implementing the Linear Park Master Plan and connecting with other trail systems and transportation networks with a minimum 10m public access through dedication as a titled lot or Statutory Right-of-Way at subdivision or rezoning for all development types as outlined on Map 10.1.

Policy 10.2.6. Dedication of Linear Parks.
At subdivision and rezoning for all development types secure a minimum 10-metre wide linear corridor for public access as included on Map 10.1. The 10-metre wide corridor may be in addition to, and outside, any riparian management area requirements of the OCP. On the private property side of the public access corridor, the City may, as necessary, consider stipulating additional “no disturb” zones. Lot line adjustments or other subdivision applications not resulting in the creation of new lots suitable for the construction of buildings permitted under the applicable zoning will be considered exempt from this policy. Linear trail corridors can have the following tenure which will be determined by staff at the time of subdivision or rezoning:

• Titled property in the name of the City as a park, protected area, or
• Statutory right of way.

Policy 10.2.7. Applicant’s Costs.  
Require that all survey and legal costs incurred with establishing the linear park dedication, as a result of a development application, be the responsibility of the applicant. The City of Kelowna will accept responsibility for all survey and legal costs incurred due to the voluntary establishment of a linear park dedication.

Policy 10.2.8. Acquisition of Linear Parks. 
Where linear corridor dedication cannot be acquired through development, explore acquisition using other approaches that include, but are not limited to:

• Negotiating voluntary dedication using pre-dedication land area for density calculations, density transfer, land exchange or other incentives available to local governments; and
• Purchase of a portion or all of the property required for the linear park.
• Buy, sever the linear park portion and sell the remaining.

Policy 10.2.9. Pedestrian Connectivity through Developments.
Plan street and development designs to maintain pedestrian connections through alternative routes. Plan for trails between lots, at ends of cul-de-sacs and in areas of challenging topography, to maintain pedestrian connections to all park types. Connections may be achieved through road dedication, lot dedication or statutory right of way.

Policy 10.2.10. Trails for Multiple Objectives.
Optimize locations of linear trails adjacent developments for multiple objectives, including wildfire fuel breaks, fuel reduction and maintenance in natural areas.

Policy 10.4.1. Access to Water.
Provide public access to water, including creeks, wetlands, ponds and lakes through a variety of implementation strategies, including acquisition, through dedication at subdivision and rezoning, partnership agreements and statutory rights of ways as outlined on Map 10.1.

Policy 10.4.2. Linear Park Priorities. 
Linear park investment, as outlined on Map 10.1, should focus on providing public access in the following areas as opportunities arise:

• Bellevue Creek
• Gopher Creek
• Mill Creek
• Mission Creek – Lakeshore Road to Okanagan Lake
• Okanagan Lake – Mission Creek to Knox Mountain Park

Policy 10.4.3. Linear Parks along Okanagan Lake. 
With any land use changes (including OCP amendments, rezoning and subdivision) along Okanagan Lake, require a waterfront linear park dedication to provide continuous public access, consistent with linear park policy and Map 10.1. In addition, recognize that Linear Parks along the waterfront will be attractive for people walking and biking, for both recreational and transportation purposes. Be proactive in planning for both uses, allowing all users to enjoy the waterfront.

Policy 10.4.4. Public Access along Water for Strata Developments.
Through development, all strata lots created that border a water body shall provide a minimum of 7 metres width of linear park for public access along the water body for public access, in accordance with the Bare Land Strata Regulations under the authority of the Strata Property Act.

Policy 10.4.5. Activate the Waterfront.
Provide a variety of experiences along the waterfront. Promote activity along the waterfront throughout the year, including a variety of amenities.

Policy 10.4.6. Beach Access Dedications.
In new subdivisions acquire beach access points as sanctioned under the Land Titles Act. The dedications obtained should be accessible to a broad range of users, be at environmentally appropriate locations and where terrain conditions do not require construction that would be detrimental to the environment, steep slopes, or other park uses.

Policy 10.4.7. Waterfront Protection.
Design parks and public spaces to proactively protect the waterfront from damage from climatic events.

Policy 10.4.8. Waterfront Park Development.
To balance the need for public amenities along the waterfront, consider using an Okanagan Lake habitat balance approach in the development of Okanagan Lake foreshore park land through the following sequence of actions: avoid, mitigate, and compensate habitat impacts to achieve a long-term net positive benefit over the entire publicly owned foreshore park land.