Canada-B.C. grant improves access to regional park

The federal and provincial governments are providing $715,000 for new features in Black Mountain sntsk’il’ntn Regional Park.

The partnership with the Reginal District of Central Okanagan will see the development of three, new multi-use trails including one leading to the summit of Black Mountain along with washrooms and other amenities.

That includes a parking areas at Joe Rich Road and Swainson Road, information and kiosk signage and guard rail fences.

Work in the 640-hectare regional park is expected to begin this fall and be completed by summer 2022.

The park protects cultural assets as well as a unique Okanagan grassland habitat.

The federal government is contributing $390,000, the B.C. government $324,967, and RDCO will provide $260,033 for a project that will build community inclusiveness, stewardship and connectivity within the regional park.

“This is an exciting investment in our community and the largest of our 30 regional parks. The funds will help us realize one of the Regional Board’s Strategic Priorities to provide residents with greater opportunities to connect with nature in the Central Okanagan, said RDCO Chair Gail Given.

“Thank you to both levels of government for investing in our culturally significant sntsk’il’nt?n Regional Park, including, as part of the Regional Park Management Plan, improved access, safety, and information for its visitors. As stewards of the land, protecting areas of environmental and cultural significance is crucial to ensuring that these lands remain intact for future generations to visit, appreciate, and learn from,” stated Westbank First Nation Chief Chris Derickson.

The Regional District and Westbank First Nation co-manage the protected park which is a significant cultural, historic and geographic namesake landmark. It’s home to at least nine endangered or threatened species and ecological communities including grassland, open Ponderosa pine and grassland savanna.

The park is vital to the syilx/Okanagan people for its wide variety of animals, plants and medicines along with resources for tool making found in the area. In nsyilxcin (in-SEALK-chin – Okanagan language), sntsk’il’nt?n (sins-te-KEEL-ten) translates to “the place where arrowheads/flint rock is found.”