A sign Thursday indicates that Kaloya Regional Park is closed over the winter although the Regional District of Central Okanagan says it's open year-round.

A sign Thursday indicates that Kaloya Regional Park is closed over the winter although the Regional District of Central Okanagan says it's open year-round.

Debate erupts over Oyama park

Lake Country council has passed a motion asking RDCO to keep Kaloya Regional Park open year-round

An Oyama park is the source of a difference of opinions.

Lake Country council has passed a motion asking the Regional District of Central Okanagan to keep Kaloya Regional Park open year-round, while RDCO insists the park is not shut down over winter.

“They have not changed signage. I introduced the motion to try and ensure it becomes policy,” said Owen Dickie, a Lake Country councillor.

However, RDCO states that policies have been reviewed and most regional parks are now open year-round, with limited maintenance and services through the late fall and winter.

“Kaloya is one of those regional parks,” said Bruce Smith, RDCO communications officer.

“Reiswig Regional Park and Okanagan Centre Safe Harbour Regional Park in Lake Country are also now open year-round with reduced winter services. Kopje Regional Park will remain open until there’s snow, but will close then as the parking lot will not be plowed.”

Dickie says Kaloya is popular with people who want to walk and enjoy the outdoors at all times of the year.

“It’s a recreational facility and should be open all year-round.”

Dickie says there are other reasons to keep the gate to Kaloya Regional Park open.

“There’s no real turn-around space at the end of Trask Road (when the parking lot is off limits) so snow plows and garbage trucks have to back up along Trask and that’s not safe,” he said.

 

Vernon Morning Star