Skaha Lake Park - East Plan

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

Council approved the recommended plan at their meeting on march 16, 2021. Thank you to everyone who participated. Watch for more information as the city begins to implement the plan.

One of the main priorities of the Parks and Rec Master Plan is the development of a plan for Skaha Lake Park. Recognizing that much of the park is functioning well and there is a pressing need for direction on the future of the marina, boat house and spray park, the Parks and Rec Advisory Committee endorsed narrowing the scope of the plan to the east end of the park. Objectives for this work include:

  • Build on directions in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan
  • Vision for maintenance, operation and/or renewal of aging City facilities & amenities (marina, docks, spray park, boat house)
  • Improved connections and integration with the rest of the park
  • Strategy to address ecological threats and vulnerabilities
  • Recognition of Indigenous relationship to park area
  • Gauge support for existing commercial uses in park e.g. support for marina and cafe
  • Create foundation for long-term lease for marina operation (Park Dedication Bylaw requires approval of electors)

Residents are encouraged to watch this site for information about this work and opportunities to get involved.

Council approved the recommended plan at their meeting on march 16, 2021. Thank you to everyone who participated. Watch for more information as the city begins to implement the plan.

One of the main priorities of the Parks and Rec Master Plan is the development of a plan for Skaha Lake Park. Recognizing that much of the park is functioning well and there is a pressing need for direction on the future of the marina, boat house and spray park, the Parks and Rec Advisory Committee endorsed narrowing the scope of the plan to the east end of the park. Objectives for this work include:

  • Build on directions in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan
  • Vision for maintenance, operation and/or renewal of aging City facilities & amenities (marina, docks, spray park, boat house)
  • Improved connections and integration with the rest of the park
  • Strategy to address ecological threats and vulnerabilities
  • Recognition of Indigenous relationship to park area
  • Gauge support for existing commercial uses in park e.g. support for marina and cafe
  • Create foundation for long-term lease for marina operation (Park Dedication Bylaw requires approval of electors)

Residents are encouraged to watch this site for information about this work and opportunities to get involved.

  • Council approves plan for Skaha Lake Park East

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    March 16, 2021

    NEWS RELEASE


    Following the conclusion of community engagement and public discussions that began in the fall of 2019 and finished this month with a final round of feedback on a proposed selection of upgraded and new park amenities, Penticton City Council has approved a long-term plan for the east side of Skaha Lake Park.

    Key elements of the approved plan include:

    • completing the replacement of the marina docks;
    • renewal of the marina building;
    • an extension of a promenade to the marina building;
    • a new and expanded paddle boathouse near the existing footprint;
    • a new splash pad;
    • allowing for a licensed restaurant as part of the marina;
    • reconfiguring the parking lot and adding usable waterfront green space;
    • naturalization of the riparian areas; and
    • other enhancements to trails and green space.

    The plan’s creation followed a four-step public process, with step one establishing context and ideas for the plan, step two developing and reviewing the concepts, step three reviewing the overall draft plan and step four receiving support for the plan from Council. Throughout the four step process, particular attention was given to the following seven needs:

    • recognizing the Indigenous relationship to the land;
    • aligning the plan with the Parks Master Plan;
    • obtaining direction for aging facilities;
    • gauging support for uses in the park;
    • improving integration for pedestrians;
    • addressing ecological sensitivities; and
    • alignment of funding.

    Overall, the plan received a strong backing, with community feedback showing 81.3 per cent of the 467 feedback responders being somewhat or very supportive of the direction being taken.

    “Council is pleased to see the planning process for the east side of Skaha Park come to fruition with both a document and vision that will last the park for many years to come,” said Penticton Mayor, John Vassilaki. “On behalf of Council, I would like to thank everyone who participated in the public process. Your time and ideas shaped the outcome Council supported today.”


  • Draft Skaha Lake Park East Plan ready for public review

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    NEWS RELEASE

    Penticton residents curious about work underway for the east portion of Skaha Lake Park will soon have an opportunity to share their feedback following next Tuesday’s Regular Meeting of Council.

    On February 16, City staff will seek direction from Council to proceed with the third and final phase of community engagement seeking input on a proposed selection of upgraded or new park amenities including:

    • completing the replacement of the marina docks;
    • a refurbishment of the marina building;
    • a new and expanded boathouse near the existing footprint;
    • a new splash pad;
    • an extension of a promenade to the marina building;
    • naturalization of the riparian areas;
    • and, other enhancements to trails and green space.

    In addition, residents will be invited to consider new park features such as a licensed restaurant as part of the marina building, an extension of the ramp between the boathouse and the water, and an option to relocate the parking lot to increase the greenspace near the shore.

    If Council approves the final round of engagement, residents can provide their feedback starting February 17 through March 7 via a combination of online and in-person activities. The draft plan, a summary of key features, a presentation and an online feedback form will be available at www.shapeyourcitypenticton.ca. Don’t have access to the Internet? Paper copies of the feedback form can be picked up at City Hall, the library and the Nautical Dog Café.

    For individuals seeking answers to specific questions, two online workshops are scheduled starting February 26, between 12pm and 1pm, followed by a second workshop scheduled March 4, from 6pm to 7pm. Interested citizens can email getconnected@penticton.ca to register.

    For those interested in visualizing things first hand, residents can complete a self-guided tour of the plan by following a map and signs to ten points of interest. Feedback can be shared using either a smart phone via the provided QR code on each sign or submitted using the paper version of the feedback form. Want to talk? Staff are planning to be at the Skaha Lake Tickleberries Concession from 10am to 2pm February 27 to answer questions for anyone participating on the self-guided tour.

    And finally, to gain an understanding of the community’s opinion of the recommendations in the plan, the City will also survey the 4000 plus registrants belonging to the Shape Your City database.

    “Similar to many of the engagement opportunities the City has organized during the current pandemic, steps have again been taken to ensure as wide a range of options are available for people to participate and share their ideas during this final round of engagement on the east end of Skaha Park,” said the City of Penticton’s Public Engagement Program Manager, JoAnne Kleb. “Be sure to contribute your input using whichever method matches your interests and availability.”

    In addition to seeking direction to proceed with the final round of community engagement, staff will also seek from Council direction to complete an evaluation and analysis of the legal process and financial implications around the option for a long-term lease for the marina building and moorage. As this option, in accordance with the Park Dedication Bylaw and Park Land Protection and Use Policy, requires assent of the electors to proceed (which would be acquired during the upcoming by-election) staff are also seeking direction to prepare the necessary materials.



  • Skaha Lake Park East Plan workshops after the holidays

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    The City is planning a number of workshops to review the concepts for Skaha Lake Park East Plan following the winter holidays. The City is hosting three online workshops in early January to gather feedback on the concepts that were first presented this fall.

    “The City has been gathering additional information to support involvement of the community and is ready to discuss the concepts with interested citizens,” said Public Engagement Program Manager JoAnne KIeb. “To ensure the sessions allow for meaningful dialogue, we are limiting participation and encourage interested citizens to register early for the online workshops.”

    The online workshops will involve a combination of Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee members, representatives of recreation and community groups as well as members of the general public. Participants need to have an internet connection, a working camera and microphone. Citizens are invited to email getconnected@penticton.ca to register for one of the following dates:

    • Community Workshop #1 will run from 6 pm to 7:30 pm on Jan. 7
    • Community Workshop #2 will run from 12 pm to 1:30 pm on Jan. 8
    • Community Workshop #3 will run from 10 am to 11:30 am on Jan. 9

    Anyone not able to participate in the workshops will have the opportunity to watch the presentation at shapeyourcitypenticton.ca beginning January 4. Feedback will be collected through to January 13. Printed copies of all workshop materials and feedback forms will also be available at the City’s engagement kiosks at City Hall and the Library during this time.

    Information gathered through this phase will be shared with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee to develop a draft plan. The draft plan will be reviewed with the community before it is shared with Council for a decision anticipated this spring.

  • Results of first round of engagement in Skaha Lake Park East Plan are now available

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Residents can now view the results of the engagement activities conducted in December to gather ideas for the creation of a long-term plan for the east portion of Skaha Lake Park. The future of the east end of Skaha Lake Park, including what to do about the marina and other aging facilities, was discussed as part of two open houses held in early December, as well as online through the City’s shapeyourcitypenticton.ca website.

    “We were very impressed with the quality of the input we received,” says Special Projects Manager Ben Johnson. “Participants clearly took the time to provide detailed and thoughtful comments that will be very helpful in shaping the plan for this area.”

    Over 400 people attended the open houses and 240 completed the feedback forms. Some of the themes from the engagement activities include:

    • The most beloved feature of the park is the green space and natural environment. Participants also love the beach and lake, the walking paths, the family setting, the dragon boating and outrigger canoeing, and the play area and splash park.
    • For many participants, the park is perfect in its current state. They are supportive of the amenities and activities that are currently in the park and would like to see them continue. There is also interest in seeing improvements to the dragon boat and canoeing facilities, the safety of the lake through separation of motorized and non-motorized vehicles, and the availability of restaurant and food services.

    Participants in the engagement activities were also invited to share their feedback on some of the ideas being considered to address the needs and opportunities in this section of the park, including several that were put forward by resident Peter Osborne on behalf of local parks groups. With the exception of reducing or reconfiguring parking to increase greenspace, all of the ideas received were well supported. In order of support from largest to small, the ideas include:

    • Continue to offer beach vending (i.e. concessions)* (82.3% support)
    • Renew the splash pad / spray park* (75.6% support)
    • Rebuild a boat house for dragon boats / outrigger canoes* (74.2% support)
    • Continue to have a café associated with the marina* (74% support)
    • Continue to offer a marina with boat rentals, moorage and fuel sales* (67.1% support)
    • Add a “green” pedestrian connection along the waterfront* (55.7% support)
    • Expand food/drink offerings at the marina (i.e. restaurant / pub) (53.4% support)
    • Add a 150’ wharf to separate motorized / and non-motorized watercraft* (50.4% support)
    • Reconfigure or reduce parking to increase greenspace* (27.1% support)

    Some of the new ideas that surfaced through the engagement process include interest in:

    • A dog park or dog beach
    • More community events
    • Cycling infrastructure (i.e. secure storage and water bottle stations)
    • Outdoor ice rink
    • Environmental and cultural interpretive centre

    Staff are now analyzing the results and working on concepts to review with residents in the next phase of engagement. The complete results are available at shapeyourcitypenticton.ca and are on display at the City’s new engagement kiosks located at the Community Centre, City Hall and the Museum / Library lobby. The results will also be reviewed with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee at their next meeting on Feb. 3.

    “I was pleased to hear there was such a good turnout to discuss this important topic,” says Mayor John Vassilaki. “Council is looking forward to hearing what people have to say and seeing how this work evolves.” Residents are encouraged to register with shapeyourcitypenticton.ca to stay informed.


  • Council to receive presentation on process to create a plan for the east portion of Skaha Park

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    At its upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting, scheduled for November 19, Penticton City Council will receive a presentation from staff outlining the planning and public engagement process to create a plan for the east portion of Skaha Park.

    “When looking at the entire park, City staff and several key stakeholders now hold the common view that any long-term planning for Skaha Park should focus on the east side,” said Acting Director of Development Services, Ben Johnson. “Much of the park is functioning well and is in good condition, however there are challenges and opportunities to explore in this part of the park, including the need for a long-term vision for the marina, aging facilities like the spray park and boat house, a desire to improve walking connections between areas of the park, and beach erosion concerns.”

    Planning for the park’s future will build on directions in the 2018 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and will be informed through a public engagement process. This process will involve stakeholders and the community in the development of a vision and plan, gather their views on commercial uses like the marina, and create an opportunity for residents to be involved in identifying priorities for the east part of the park. Ideas from a recent citizen-led park design process will also be incorporated into the engagement and planning for the park.

    “We’re pleased that the City has narrowed the focus of the plan to address the pressing needs of this unique east section of the park and are delighted that the concept that we have created through many discussions with stakeholders and residents is going to be integrated into their work,” says Peter Osborne, a Penticton resident who led the development of a concept for the park.

    “Council is looking forward to receiving the presentation staff have prepared outlining the process by which a much needed plan for the east side of Skaha Park will be created with the public’s involvement,” said Penticton Mayor, John Vassilaki.