Province paying for some upgrades in popular Okanagan, South Thompson and Shuswap parks

The has announced it is providing funding to improve provincial parks, including an upgrade to Fintry Provincial Park's historic packinghouse.

Today, Jan. 22, the province announced it is investing $5 million for infrastructure projects in 24 provincial parks across B.C.

"We have heard the call for greater access to the outdoors to promote health and well-being during COVID-19. These meaningful projects create jobs to address those needs as part of our support for B.C. communities," said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, in a press release. "Investing in provincial parks also protects sensitive ecosystems, supports our climate change goals and makes parks more accessible for everyone to enjoy."

Fintry Provincial Park's historic packinghouse structure will be transformed from a boarded-up building into a day-use shelter, according to the province. The park is located on the westside of Okanagan Lake between West Kelowna and Vernon.

Closer to West Kelowna, Bear Creek Provincial Park is a popular camping destination and the province will be adding electrical services at 35 campsites in the park campground. Twenty-one electrical sites were added in 2018.

At Ellison Provincial Park near Vernon the campground entrance road, campground loop roads and day-use parking area are being repaved to replace the patchwork of seal coat and asphalt patches.

READ MORE: Fintry Provincial Park near Vernon to get $1.5M in upgrades

"We have seen how parks play a huge role in our lives when it comes to bringing families, friends and communities together," said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee, in the press release. "British Columbians have pride in their provincial parks, and these upgrades to Ellison Park, along with other provincial parks in the Okanagan, ensure we can all access to these beautiful natural spaces."

Lac Le Jeune Provincial Park south of Kamloops is getting improvements to its water system, while Shuswap Lake Provincial Park is getting improvements to the water treatment and water heating systems.

Other infrastructure projects throughout the province include upgrades to water systems, parking lots, multi-use trails, campground facilities, backcountry facilities and accessibility improvements. Electric vehicle charging stations will be added to some day-use areas in northwest B.C.

The projects are scheduled for completion in the spring, according to the ministry.

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