DeHart Park earns award for environmental sustainability

The City of Kelowna has been recognized with a Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) Community Excellence Award for Environmental Sustainability for its work on DeHart Community Park. This follows an award received last fall from the Community Energy Association of Union Of B.C. Municipalities.

The nine-acre space sets a new benchmark for climate‑aligned park design and community well‑being. DeHart Community Park was planned and delivered with carbon neutrality as a core design requirement, guided by the City’s 2040 Official Community Plan sustainability targets.

"Protecting the environment is a clear Council priority and this latest recognition shows we are delivering on our commitment to reducing emissions, strengthening climate resilience, and caring for natural areas," said Mayor Tom Dyas. "DeHart Community Park is a prime example of how Kelowna continues to bring leadership and ingenuity to its delivery of services, amenities, and infrastructure for our residents."

From the start, the City measured and tracked the project’s carbon footprint to guide key decisions including how the park would be used, what materials to choose, and how to build it, while balancing community needs with climate impacts.

"DeHart Community Park shows what’s possible when climate goals are built into a project from day one. By tracking carbon and prioritizing ecosystem support, we created a park that fosters community connection while helping reduce long‑term environmental impacts," said Melanie Steppuhn, City of Kelowna Parks Planning and Design Manager.

DeHart Community Park’s design considered habitat restoration, pollinator‑supportive landscaping, water‑wise design elements, and protection of mature trees and naturalized areas wherever possible. The project also used low‑impact landscaping, like using fewer paved areas and reusing trees on site for habitat and park features. These choices can lower long‑term maintenance and environmental effects over time.

"This award reflects a collaborative effort and shows what’s possible when we plan with the long view – creating great public spaces for people to enjoy today while building a legacy of stewardship that will benefit future generations," said Steppuhn.

The $8.6 million project is also an example of how the City uses multiple funding tools to support growth with the infrastructure and amenities residents need. DeHart Community Park was partially funded through Parks Development Cost Charges, helping offset costs associated with growth and reduce the impact on taxation, while delivering a community hub that supports active living, connection, and quality of life. This project is also supported by the Government of Canada through the Canada Community-Building Fund, which provides long-term, predictable funding to local governments for infrastructure and community-building projects. Together, these funding sources help ensure that as Kelowna grows, there are corresponding investments in public spaces that benefit residents now and into the future.

Explore over 200 City-owned parks at kelowna.ca/parks and learn more about current projects underway at kelowna.ca/capitalprojects.