RDCK applies to lease West Creston Ferry Landing for proposed regional park
File photo: A picnic area beside the Kootenay River at the Old Ferry Landing in West Creston, where the RDCK is proposing to lease land for a regional park.
Photo credit: Creston Valley Tourism
WEST CRESTON — The Regional District of Central Kootenay has applied to the Agricultural Land Commission for permission to lease approximately 1.2 hectares at West Creston Ferry Landing as it considers establishing a regional park.
The property at 2012 Kootenay River Road, in RDCK Electoral Area C, is already used informally as a public recreation area. It has a boat launch, an informal fire pit and parking, according to the regional district's October 20 announcement.
The Creston Dyking District asked the RDCK to explore taking over management of the site to help maintain it for community recreation. The proposed lease would allow the regional district to formalize that role and provide ongoing management and maintenance of the landing.
Because the property is within the Agricultural Land Reserve, the RDCK has applied to the Agricultural Land Commission for non-farm use authorization. The application concerns the proposed lease and operation of the land as a regional park. The application is a preliminary step, and the RDCK says additional approvals and arrangements would be needed before the site could be established as a publicly accessible regional park.
The regional district is not proposing significant changes to existing recreational use. Its announcement did not identify new construction, planned improvements, a development budget or changes to public access.
Kristi Calder, the RDCK's regional manager of recreation and client services, said the district is exploring how it can support the landing's continued use and maintenance. The RDCK estimates the ALC application process could take up to four months, although it has not announced a date for completing the proposal.
The landing has appeared in earlier regional park planning. In July 2022, the RDCK board approved up to $100,000 for Traditional Use Study work at five sites, including West Creston Ferry Landing. The board received a Ktunaxa Traditional Use Study Summary Report in October 2023 examining five locations and identifying further engagement and studies that would be required if park development proceeded.
The October 2026 application advances the landing proposal beyond that earlier study stage. The RDCK has not announced Agricultural Land Commission approval or completion of a lease.
Residents seeking more information about the proposal can contact the RDCK at parks@rdck.bc.ca.
Some Whitevale Water Utility customers on Franklyn, Fraser and Banner roads may lose water service between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on October 26, 27 and 28 as construction work continues, according to an update from the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO).