Friends of Kal Park step up efforts against Ministry proposal

VERNON – A local advocacy group is determined to quash a Ministry of Transportation initiative aimed at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park.

The Friends of Kal Park has launched an online petition — now with over 600 supporters — as part of ongoing efforts to halt the Ministry’s application to move the park’s boundary. The change would remove a 30 metre right-of-way from the park, which would “essentially divide Kal Park into two sections” the group said in a release.

According to the ministry, the right-of-way would enable widening and upgrading of Cosens Bay Road and would accommodate future utilities.

The Friends of Kal Park oppose the plan because it would remove land from the park and from the jurisdiction of B.C. Parks.

Another large concern for them is the threat to the endangered Pacific Rattlesnake, as well as other wildlife that calls the park home.

“Snake dens exist in close proximity to Cosens Bay Road; road kill would become common and snake populations on either side of the road could become genetically isolated. Other wildlife could also be casualties.”

They also state higher traffic on the improved roadway would put park users at risk where hiking trails intersect with the road.

The group is suggesting an alternative; that the Ministry apply for a Park Use Permit that would allow for controlled improvements without sacrificing any land out of the park.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.