Knox Mountain Management Plan
Knox Mountain Park is considered among the most important and well-known natural area parks in Kelowna. Significant changes have occurred within the park since the first management plan was completed over a decade ago. These include expansion of park boundaries to encompass the area around Kathleen Lake and considerable increases in park use resulting in deterioration of the built and natural features. The services of a local multi-disciplinary consultant team were secured in the Spring of 2009 to prepare an update to the 1999 Knox Mountain Park Management Plan.
Over the course of the two years process formal public consultation consisted of two workshops with external stakeholders, two public open houses and a neighbourhood mail-out with survey.
City Council endorsed the updated Knox Mountain Park Management Plan 2011, through Council Resolution on November 14, 2011 directing staff to use the plan as a guide to follow in future planning for the park; and directing staff to consider that appropriate priority to be given to the management of Knox Mountain Park in the development of the new long-term capital plan.
The Management Plan provides guidance for the management of Knox Mountain Park for the next 10 to 15 years. It also establishes a framework for City decision-making with respect to park operations and maintenance, and provides a strategic approach to park development and capital investment.
The primary focus of this Management Plan is on restoring natural resources, followed by protecting these natural resources and finally by modestly improving user amenities. This plan also underscores the City’s commitment to public involvement and sets out avenues for community partners to participate in park activities.
Priorities for implementation were determined, high level cost estimates were prepared and tasks were broken down into four phases for both capital development and operations and maintenance.
For Information on the Management Plan contact:
Barb Davidson,
Project Manager
bdavidson@kelowna.ca
Hours of Operation
With the exception of sanctioned event closures, Knox Mountain Drive is open to the public 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays during the warm seasons.
Park Rental and Special Event Permits
Contact:
Claudia Buhler,
Outdoor Events Coordinator
cbuhler@kelowna.ca