Oyama Isthmus Park - Concept Design

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Council will consider project components at a later date. Engagement is now closed.

Wondering what is up with the Oyama Isthmus Park site concept? Some that have not yet been involved in the conversation may even be wondering what the Oyama Isthmus Park refers to. It is the section of waterfront land located between Oyama Road and Wood Lake that stretches from Trask Road in the west to the Oyama boat launch on the north east corner of Wood Lake. The property was largely acquired by the District of Lake Country through the purchase of the CN Rail corridor in 2015.

Earlier this year a community meeting was held at the Oyama Community Hall, followed by a survey to capture the community’s input on how to enhance the isthmus and design a park in a way that would acknowledge it appropriately as a public amenity gem within Oyama.

The concept design celebrates and enhances the unique characteristics of the site that people love and value today, while allowing the park to sustainably accommodate the users that access the site via the Okanagan Rail Trail.

Beginning in August the community was asked to review the concept design and provide feedback through an on-line survey. The response was overwhelming. Over 1,000 visited the Let’s Talk – Oyama Isthmus project web page and 321 completed the on-line survey. On September 22nd staff presented a summary of the community feedback to Council at a strategy session. You can review the survey results on this page under 2020 Public Feedback Results.

The following themes and improvements received the most support from respondents:

  • Improved water access;
  • Cleaner, safer more usable space;
  • New restrooms;
  • Balancing nature and recreation;
  • Community space;
  • Parking improvements;
  • Accessibility and a variety of uses; and
  • Designated non motorized zone.

While concerns expressed related to:

  • Loss of the small town feel and pocket beaches;
  • Traffic congestion & parking shortages;
  • Already too crowded; and
  • Not a priority for taxpayer funds.

Council supports the idea of staff dividing the proposed park concept into implementation phases, recognizing that the project may take several decades to complete. It is important to note that phases of the project will not proceed unless Council approves expenditures. The costs of construction will vary depending on available funding, economic conditions, phase selection, phase size, sequencing, design, and construction timing. Cost estimates will be developed as and when required based on future phasing and scope of work. Phases will be deliberated at annual budget meetings typically held December through February of each calendar year. Each budget cycle has time built into the process for public education and input.

Stay up to date on Council considerations and decisions regarding the Oyama Isthmus project as well as other projects and initiatives in the community. Subscribe to receive emails directly to your inbox, ensuring you never miss out on important community information.

Wondering what is up with the Oyama Isthmus Park site concept? Some that have not yet been involved in the conversation may even be wondering what the Oyama Isthmus Park refers to. It is the section of waterfront land located between Oyama Road and Wood Lake that stretches from Trask Road in the west to the Oyama boat launch on the north east corner of Wood Lake. The property was largely acquired by the District of Lake Country through the purchase of the CN Rail corridor in 2015.

Earlier this year a community meeting was held at the Oyama Community Hall, followed by a survey to capture the community’s input on how to enhance the isthmus and design a park in a way that would acknowledge it appropriately as a public amenity gem within Oyama.

The concept design celebrates and enhances the unique characteristics of the site that people love and value today, while allowing the park to sustainably accommodate the users that access the site via the Okanagan Rail Trail.

Beginning in August the community was asked to review the concept design and provide feedback through an on-line survey. The response was overwhelming. Over 1,000 visited the Let’s Talk – Oyama Isthmus project web page and 321 completed the on-line survey. On September 22nd staff presented a summary of the community feedback to Council at a strategy session. You can review the survey results on this page under 2020 Public Feedback Results.

The following themes and improvements received the most support from respondents:

  • Improved water access;
  • Cleaner, safer more usable space;
  • New restrooms;
  • Balancing nature and recreation;
  • Community space;
  • Parking improvements;
  • Accessibility and a variety of uses; and
  • Designated non motorized zone.

While concerns expressed related to:

  • Loss of the small town feel and pocket beaches;
  • Traffic congestion & parking shortages;
  • Already too crowded; and
  • Not a priority for taxpayer funds.

Council supports the idea of staff dividing the proposed park concept into implementation phases, recognizing that the project may take several decades to complete. It is important to note that phases of the project will not proceed unless Council approves expenditures. The costs of construction will vary depending on available funding, economic conditions, phase selection, phase size, sequencing, design, and construction timing. Cost estimates will be developed as and when required based on future phasing and scope of work. Phases will be deliberated at annual budget meetings typically held December through February of each calendar year. Each budget cycle has time built into the process for public education and input.

Stay up to date on Council considerations and decisions regarding the Oyama Isthmus project as well as other projects and initiatives in the community. Subscribe to receive emails directly to your inbox, ensuring you never miss out on important community information.