By Roy Wood, Special to the Times Chronicle 

The Parks and Trails Master Plan update presented to an Osoyoos council committee this week aims to ensure the town’s trail and parks system continues to meet the changing needs of residents as the community evolves.  

As well, the update will keep the to-do list current by removing recommendations from the original 20-year plan from 2017 that have already been accomplished or deemed inappropriate.

The plan was presented to council’s Committee of the Whole on Tuesday. According to its introduction, “The primary focus of this document is to ensure that the plan remains in alignment with Osoyoos’ current conditions. 

“Over the years, various changes and developments have occurred within the community, necessitating an updated plan that accurately reflects these new realities. This ensures that the parks and trails continue to meet the evolving needs and expectations of residents and visitors.”

Specifically, the supplemental master plan will:

  • Ensure that the plan reflects other town planning work completed since 2017;
  • Remove complete or obsolete recommendations;
  • Add new recommendations to meet the current town needs;
  • Provide more detailed information on implementation and phasing; and
  • Provide an updated plan for Gyro Park.

The original vision of the master plan remains relevant today, according to the report.

The town will continue to collaborate with partners to “offer a diverse network of high-quality, safe, and well-managed parks and trails that celebrate our natural heritage and Indigenous stories.”

As well, according to the document, the trail and parks network plan will encourage residents and visitors to be more active, and to protect sensitive ecosystems, landscapes and vital habitats.

The master plan goals from 2017 have also been reframed and updated to reflect current realities and values:

  • To ensure parks and trails are equitably distributed and designed with improved accessibility;
  • To enhance the quality of the system by improving amenities and expanding recreational opportunities;
  • To foster a network that promotes social as well as physical connections;
  • To conserve and restore natural habitats and ecosystems;
  • To engage residents as active partners and stewards in the planning and management of the parks and trails; and
  • To promote fiscal responsibility and sustainability by fostering strategic partnerships and supporting the growth of tourism. 

The document takes a shot at planning for a couple of decades into the future. The “Planning for 2024” section examines how the parks and trails system can evolve to accommodate demographic changes headed this way.

One of the key trends is that as the population grows over the next 20 years, the proportion of residents over the age of 60 will continue to increase while “the young adult population will remain relatively stable in numbers.”

According to the report, these trends will influence the network in the following ways:

  • An aging population will require more benches, shaded areas, accessible paths, better lighting and easy access to emergency services;
  • “Universal design principles” will become more important to ensure parks and trails are accessible to people of all ages and abilities;
  • There will be greater demand for senior fitness programs as well as intergenerational activities;
  • The need for tranquil spaces within parks for relaxation and contemplation will continue to grow; and
  • Regular community engagement will be vital to gathering feedback on the evolving needs of the population.

The report highlighted some of the findings of a 2022 study on the impact of tourism in the town and how the parks and trails system plays into it.

The parks and trails system, the study found, acts as a strong motivator for people to visit Osoyoos and on the likelihood of visitors promoting the area as a tourist destination to others.

The study also noted concern among Osoyoos residents regarding the behaviour of tourists in the parks, on the trails and other areas.

Following the presentation, the Committee of the Whole voted to accept the report.