FINAL REPORT
Source Water Assessment and Protection Plan Upper Fintry/Shalal Road/Valley of the Sun Water System Groundwater Supply at Fintry, B.C. Regional District of Central Okanagan
Submitted to: Prepared by Western Water Associates Ltd
Regional District Central Okanagan 32 - 10051 Highway 97 1450 KLO Rd Lake Country, British Columbia Kelowna, B.C. V4V 1P6
November, 2011
November 2011 i Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01
Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 PURPOSE OF STUDY AND ASSESSMENT AREA DEFINITION ...... 1 1.2 COMPREHENSIVE DRINKING WATER SOURCE TO TAP ASSESSMENT GUIDE ...... 1 1.3 SOURCES OF INFORMATION ...... 2 2. BACKGROUND ...... 3 2.1 NORTH WEST SIDE WATER SYSTEM HISTORY , GOVERNANCE AND SETTING ...... 3 2.2 WATER SOURCES ...... 4 2.3 SUMMARY CONCEPTUAL HYDROGEOLOGICAL MODEL ...... 4 3. GENERAL PROCESS AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE ...... 5 4. MODULE #1 DELINEATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF WATER SOURCES ...... 6 4.1 OBJECTIVES AND METHODS ...... 6 4.2 WELL CAPTURE ZONES ...... 6 4.3 DEVELOPMENT OF AQUIFER PROTECTION AREAS ...... 8 4.4 WATER SOURCE CHARACTERIZATION ...... 8 5. MODULE #2 CONTAMINANT SOURCE INVENTORY ...... 14 5.1 OBJECTIVES AND METHODS ...... 14 5.2 CONTAMINATION SOURCE INVENTORY ...... 14 5.3 SITE REGISTRY SEARCH ...... 16 5.4 AIRPHOTO REVIEW ...... 16 5.5 WINDSHIELD AND VISUAL SURVEY AND HAZARD I.D. TABLE ...... 17 5.6 ZONING AND LAND USE WITHIN THE PROPOSED APA ...... 18 5.7 REPORTED OR KNOWN WELLS IN THE FINTRY AQUIFER ...... 19 6. MODULE #7 CHARACTERIZE RISKS FROM SOURCE TO TAP ...... 20 6.1 OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY ...... 20 6.2 RISK CHARACTERIZATION TABLE ...... 22 6.3 SYSTEM STRENGTHS , WEAKNESSES , OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS ...... 23 7. MODULE #8 RECOMMENDED ACTIONS TO PROMOTE GROUNDWATER PROTECTION ..... 24 8. LIMITATIONS AND USE OF THIS REPORT ...... 28 9. CLOSURE ...... 28
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November 2011 ii Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01 List of In-Text Figures
Figure 1 Photo of Well 2 Site Looking West Toward Well 1…………………………………………. 9
Figure 2 Photo of View Looking East Showing Well Site and General Groundwater Flow Direction ……………………………………………………………………… 10
Figure 3 Photo of Existing Sign Installed by B.C. Ministry of Environment, On roadway above lower Fintry indicating Groundwater Protection Zone……. 11
Figure 4 Photo of View Looking East Across Undeveloped Park Land Typical of Fintry. 12
List of In-Text Tables
Table 1 Wells 1 and 2 Construction Summary…………………………………………………………….. 4
Table 2 Capture Zone Summary – CFR and Analytical Methods…………………………………. 8
Table 3 Summary of Groundwater Quality for Wells 1 and 2…………………..………………… 13
Table 4 Reported / Known Wells in the Fintry Aquifer………………………………………………. 19
Table 5 Relative Levels of Likelihood………………………………………………………………………….. 21
Table 6 Levels of Consequence Classification……………………………………………………………. 21
Table 7 Risk-Likelihood-Consequence Matrix…………………………………………………………… 22 List of After-Text Maps and Tables
Maps Map 1 Aquifer Map with Well Locations and Capture Zones Map 2 Proposed Fintry Aquifer Protection Area Map 3 Location of Identified Potential Contamination Sources
Source to Tap Assessment Tables
Table A1 Contaminant Source Inventory Table A2 Hazard Identification Table Table A3 Risk Characterization Summary
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November 2011 iii Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01
List of Appendices
Appendix A Friends of Fintry, Fintry Provincial Park and Protected Area Information Appendix B Well Logs for Wells 1 and 2 Appendix C Technical Advisory Meeting Minutes Appendix D RDCO Zoning and Water Service Area Mapping
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1. INTRODUCTION
This report presents the results of a drinking water source water assessment and proposed groundwater protection plan for the Upper Fintry/Shalal Road/Valley of the Sun Water System groundwater supplies, herein referred to simply as the “Fintry” groundwater supply. Two new wells serving the system are owned and operated by the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO).
The primary authors of this report are Doug Geller, P.Geo. and Ryan Rhodes, P.Geo. of Western Water Associates Ltd. The report was reviewed by RDCO and members of the Technical Advisory Committee assembled for this study.
The report is organized into sections that follow the structure of the Ministry of Health Drinking Water Comprehensive Source to Tap Assessment Guide (S2TAG). There are eight sections called Modules in the S2TAG of which four (1, 2, 7 and 8) are addressed by this project, with a Chapter devoted to each Module following introductory and background information. A series of photos and descriptive tables appear within the text, and a series of Maps and S2TAG Tables which follow the text.
1.1 Purpose of Study and Assessment Area Definition The project is intended to fulfill a condition of RDCO’s pending Permit to Operate with the Interior Health Authority (IHA) and was prepared with the assistance of a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) that included the drinking water officer from IHA. The purpose of the study is to provide for a source water assessment of the Fintry wells, and provide the framework for establishing a protection program for the source aquifer and the new supply wells that the community system relies on for its drinking water.
The Assessment Area is generally taken to be the lands of the Fintry Delta and the adjacent hillsides above (west of) the Delta and below Westside Road. A view of the Assessment Area appears on the report cover and also on Map 1.
1.2 Comprehensive Drinking Water Source to Tap Assessment Guide As stipulated by IHA’s Operating Permit conditions, this study has been prepared in keeping with the Comprehensive Drinking Water Source to Tap Assessment Guideline as published by the Provincial Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport, 2010 edition.
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November 2011 2 Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01
The Source to Tap Assessment Guideline (S2TAG) provides a structured and consistent approach to evaluating risks to drinking water and serves as a tool for water systems to develop a comprehensive understanding of the risks to drinking water safety and availability, how to operate more effectively, and how to produce the best possible water quality.
The S2TAG is comprised of eight modules, listed as follows:
Module #1 - Delineate and characterize drinking water sources
Module #2 - Conduct contaminant source inventory
Module #3 - Assess water supply elements
Module #4 - Evaluate water system management, operation and maintenance practices
Module #5 - Audit water quality and availability
Module #6 - Review financial capacity and governance of water system
Module #7 - Characterize risks from source to tap
Module #8 - Recommend actions to improve drinking water protection
The scope of work included and addressed by this study comprises modules #1, 2, 7 & 8. By default, RDCO will address Modules 3-6 in the course of commissioning, operating and maintaining the water system and the other terms of its permit to operate with IHA.
1.3 Sources of Information The Fintry groundwater supply serves a new water system constructed in 2011- known as the Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of the Sun Water System. The new supply wells were installed in 2010, with the entire system being designed and built to today’s standards. Consequently, background information on the water system is limited to previous and recent planning and engineering studies. The primary sources of information relied upon for this assessment include various hydrogeological completion reports prepared by consultants relative to the original installation and testing of the wells (Summit 2010), and the recent Phase 2 Okanagan Basin Water Supply and Demand Project Groundwater Study Objectives 2 and 3 (Golder-Summit 2009).
Additional sources of information included review of contaminated site registry information and interviews with local people with knowledge of the area. These information sources were mainly needed to complete Module 2. A complete listing of references cited appears at the end of this report.
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November 2011 3 Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01 2. BACKGROUND
2.1 Water System History, Governance and Setting The community of Fintry is an unincorporated centre situated approximately halfway between the head of Okanagan Lake to the north and the District of West Kelowna to the south and is adjacent to Okanagan Lake. Land use in the area is a mix of rural residential, agricultural, and in the uplands, forest and range. Westside Road passes through the community and serves as the major north-south transportation corridor. The lower part of Fintry comprises the deltaic / alluvial fan terrace formed by Shorts Creek and includes the 360 ha Fintry Provincial Park, which occupies a portion of the former Dun-Waters Fintry Estate, a heritage site. The land rises steeply to the west of the delta with topographic relief on the order of 1,400 m between the lake and nearby Terrace Mountain.
Fintry Provincial Park includes a day use area, a campground, as well as a series of heritage buildings dating to when the area was first settled. Upland from the park is the Fintry Protected Area, which comprises an additional 523 ha of open-space lands. Friends of Fintry is a non-profit society that assists B.C. Parks with management of the cultural history of the park lands. Further information on the Friends of Fintry, Fintry Park, and Fintry Protected Area and the protected area is provided in Appendix A. Further information on the history of Fintry appears in an appendix of the Park Management Plan (B.C. Parks 1998).
The unincorporated community of lower Fintry lies to the south of Shorts Creek on the delta. This subdivision includes approximately 80 homes that see a mixture of seasonal and year- round use. There are no municipal sewers in lower Fintry and domestic waste is disposed of to the ground via septic tanks and drainfields. The lower Fintry community is serviced by the Fintry Water Utility, which was developed in the 1960s (CTQ 2010). Okanagan Lake provides the water source for this system. As of 2010 (CTQ 2010), 83 of the 108 buildable lower Fintry lots had been developed and of these 33 were occupied by full-time residents.
The upland residential areas (above Westside Road) in and around Fintry were created in the 1960s without water servicing (TRUE 2010), and have relied upon private water sources or trucked water for domestic water supply. In 2007-2008, the residents of the Shalal Road, Upper Fintry, and Valley of the Sun subdivisions petitioned the Regional District Central Okanagan (RDCO) to develop a new water system to service existing and potential future approved development lands. The proposed water system received senior government infrastructure funding and is currently (November 2011) under construction and nearing completion. The system is scheduled to be commissioned in late 2011 and will be operated by RDCO. Lower Fintry residents currently served by the existing Fintry Water System have
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November 2011 4 Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01 subsequently petitioned the regional district to be connected to and served by the new water system. The total number of residential lots included in the system is 340 not including lower Fintry, which if included would bring the total number of serviced lots to approximately 450, although at present only about half of these have actually been developed. According to TRUE (2010) additional system capacity is possible should more properties request service in future.
2.2 Water Sources There are two new wells constructed to serve the water system, each located at #19 Morden Rd in Fintry ( Map 1 ). Table 1 summarizes the well construction information.
The wells are completed in a provincially mapped aquifer generally known as the Fintry Fan Aquifer (BCMoE Aquifer # 358), see Section 2.3.
Table 1 Wells 1 and 2 Construction Summary
Diameter Depth to top Rated capacity Well Number Total depth (mm / of screen Static (L/sec / US (m / ft) inches) (m/ft) water level gpm) (m/ft) 1 WPN 29316 34.5 / 113 200 / 8 28.2 / 92.5 4.1 / 13.5 31.5 / 500 2 WPN 17864 44.1 / 144.7 200 / 8 35.1 / 115 3.7 / 12.0 31.5 / 500 WPN = Ministry Well Plate No.
Appendix B provides the well drillers logs for the new supply wells along with well completion diagrams prepared by Summit (2010).
2.3 Summary Conceptual Hydrogeological Model The wells are completed in a provincially mapped aquifer generally known as the Fintry delta alluvial fan aquifer (BCMoE Aquifer # 358IIA). Using the system developed by Kreye et al (1998) BCMoE classifies the aquifer as having a moderate demand, moderate productivity and high vulnerability to contamination. Test pumping for the 2010 groundwater development program indicated that the aquifer is actually highly productive (See Section 4) and that compared to the volume of annual recharge to the aquifer, existing groundwater use is relatively low. The drilling program indicated that the Fintry aquifer is mostly unconfined.
The groundwater study completed by Golder and Summit (2009) for the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) Okanagan Water Supply and Demand Project also characterized the aquifer of lower Fintry. The OBWB mapped the aquifer as No. 259, and assigned a hydraulic gradient and hydraulic conductivity of 0.01 and 9.0X10 -4 m/s, respectively (Golder and Summit
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November 2011 5 Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01
2009). The estimated average groundwater discharge from aquifer 259 is 7.62 X 10 6 m3/year. Averaged throughout the year, this equals a flow of approximately 242 L/sec (3,800 US gpm).
The principal form of recharge to the Fintry Aquifer is comprised of infiltrative losses from Shorts Creek. Additional sources of recharge include runoff from the adjacent uplands, direct infiltration of precipitation and snowmelt, plus irrigation and septic system discharges. Okanagan Lake is also a potential source of recharge to the aquifer. The lake is regulated at Penticton, and the lake level normally varies by about 1 metre through the year (Environment Canada 2011). Lake level variation, especially in years when the fluctuation is greater than normal as a result of either drought or high inflow likely exerts a strong influence on groundwater levels and groundwater hydraulic gradients, especially near the lake. In summary, natural recharge to the Fintry aquifer occurs via two main mechanisms:
• Infiltration losses from Shorts Creek beginning near the apex of the alluvial fan located about 750 m west of the wells; and
• Direct infiltration of rainfall and snowmelt. This component of recharge can be considered negligible in comparison to the above mechanism.
Under pumping conditions, it is possible some recharge to the aquifer could occur from adjacent Okanagan Lake, but the anticipated volume of pumping and the locations of wells are such that we do not expect there to be significant induced recharge into the aquifer from the lake.
3. GENERAL PROCESS AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
This Source Water Assessment and Groundwater Protection Plan has been prepared in keeping with the S2TAG using the general methodology presented as follows:
i) Collection and review of available data including previous groundwater reports, mapping, flow records, water quality, etc;
ii) Conduct site reconnaissance, focusing on evaluation of potential contamination sources and land uses;
iii) Coordination of project meetings with the RDCO, IHA and the Technical Advisory Committee;
iv) Public Consultation; and
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November 2011 6 Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01
v) Completion of the Study.
Further details on methods appear in the specific report sections on each Module.
In partnership with RDCO, the consultant team facilitated the creation of a Technical Advisory Committee (hereafter TAC) for the project and representatives from the following organizations were invited to participate:
Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO)
Interior Health Authority (IHA)
Ministry of Environment (MOE) B.C. Parks (now part of MNRO)
The TAC met two times during the study in 2011. Copies of TAC meeting minutes are enclosed as Appendix C .
4. MODULE #1 DELINEATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF WATER SOURCES
This Module includes delineation of the protection area using capture zone analysis and hydrogeologic mapping, characterization of the individual well sources, and a review of existing groundwater quality data.
4.1 Objectives and Methods The objective of Module 1 is to provide the framework for the source protection assessment, including a characterization of the water sources and water system, the water system setting and governance context, and the assessment/delineation of the proposed protection area. Methods applied included a review of existing reports and data, and capture zone mapping for the supply wells as further described in the following sections.
4.2 Well Capture Zones Capture zones were developed for the new wells located on Morden Road by Summit (2010) and later adapted by WWAL for this study. The capture zone mapping applied the methods outlined in the B.C. Well Protection Toolkit (2000). Based on the size of the water system and information available for the analysis, two forms of capture zone mapping we used: Calculated Fixed Radius (CFR) Analytical Equations (1, 5 and 10 year) supplemented with hydrogeological mapping.
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November 2011 7 Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01
The following information summarizes the assumptions on hydrogeological data and pumping rates for the capture zone analysis. The following lists the sources of the input parameters required to calculate the capture zones and any assumptions that were used in the calculations.
Pumping Rate . We assumed an average pumping rate of 31.5 L/sec (500 US gpm) for the water system. This is a long-term projected demand figure. In the first years of water system operation, average daily production will likely be considerably less than 31.5 L/sec.
Aquifer Porosity . A value of 0.25 was applied to both wells, a reasonable estimate for sand and gravel aquifers. Fetter (2001) states a range of 0.2 to 0.35 for sand and gravel mixtures.
Aquifer Thickness . Aquifer thickness was estimated individually for each well based on lithologic information provided on well driller logs.
Aquifer Transmissivity . Transmissivity values were taken from the previous hydrogeological reports (Summit 2010, Golder and Summit 2009).
Hydraulic Gradient . Values for hydraulic gradient were taken from Golder and Summit 2009, and modified where site specific potentiometric data were available.
The results of the capture zone mapping are shown on the attached Map 1. CFR capture zones radiate out in a circular fashion from the respective wells.
Analytical equation capture zones are narrow and extend for long-distances in the inferred upgradient direction from each well. The narrow and elongate shape of the analytical equation capture zones is primarily due to the value used for hydraulic gradient, and is a drawback of this method when applied to moderate to highly permeable aquifers with sloping water table surfaces. We initially completed individual capture zone analysis for Wells 1 and 2. Due to the proximity of the wells and their similar completion in the unconfined aquifer, both wells were considered together using a theoretical centrepoint equidistant between wells. For this analysis we used the B.C. Well Protection Toolkit (MoE 2000) as a guide.
A well capture zone is the portion of the well’s recharge area that contributes water to the well under an assumed pumping rate and duration. The Calculated Fixed Radius (CFR) method is one of the simpler methods of capture zone analysis and was used as a starting point. We also used analytical equations and hydrogeologic mapping to more accurately determine the shape of the capture zones, which required us to make assumptions about the slope of the piezometric surface (hydraulic gradient).
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November 2011 8 Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01
The methodology of the CFR and analytical equations capture zones are summarized in Summit (2010), along with the assumptions used in the calculations such as the likely average pumping rate. Results for each method are summarized on Table 2 and graphical results of the analysis are depicted on Map 1 .
Table 2 Capture Zone Results Summary for CFR and Analytical Methods
CFR Method Anal ytical Equations Radius (1 year) 145 m 2Y (m) 18 m Radius (5 year) 319 m X (m) 3 m
Radius (10 year) 451 m d1 3,600 m Source: Summit (2010)
4.3 Development of Aquifer Protection Areas Each of the capture zone analysis methods has limitations and as a result, the proposed Aquifer Protection Area (APA) was not based solely on the capture zone mapping. The capture zones were considered in our development of APA, but modified based on hydrogeologic mapping and interpretation, topographical mapping, and to include adjoining areas where current land use could potentially change in future. A proposed APA was defined, as depicted on the attached Map 2. The proposed approach is useful when there is uncertainty about the actual shape and extent of the well capture zones as is the case for this hydrogeologic system. The APA encompasses most of the interpreted 1 year time-of–travel from the wells plus the western physical boundary of the aquifer.
The proposed APA includes approximately 15 ha of land and includes both developed and undeveloped residential lots in lower Fintry, several local roads and portions of the adjacent B.C. Parks lands south of Shorts Creek. The APA also includes the Fintry caretaker’s residence located just west of the main entrance to the park and south of Shorts Creek.
4.4 Water Source Characterization Photos in Figures 1 through 4 depict the setting of the well site and surrounding lands. The wells are located on an otherwise undeveloped lot on Morden Road within lower Fintry. The well site is bordered to the north by undeveloped B.C. Parks lands and both developed and undeveloped residential lots on the west, east and south. RDCO has built a fence around the site to prevent unauthorized access. Use of the well site is solely for water supply purposes.
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Figure 1 Well 2 Site looking west toward Well 1
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Figure 2 View looking east showing well site (circled) and (arrow) general groundwater flow direction
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November 2011 11 Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01
Figure 3 Existing sign, likely installed by the B.C. Ministry of Environment, on roadway above lower Fintry indicating a groundwater protection zone
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November 2011 12 Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01
Figure 4 View looking east across undeveloped park land typical of Fintry
The natural groundwater quality produced by the wells is excellent and meets or surpasses applicable aesthetic and health-based Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. Table 3 adapted from a similar table in Summit (2010) summarizes the results of the initial samples collected on the new wells in 2010. In a review of the initial water quality data, there is no evidence of anthropogenic impact to groundwater quality (see Module 2 discussion below). This includes the absence of any indicators of septic effluent (e.g., nitrate-nitrogen was non- detect at a detection limit of 0.01 mg/L). See Module 8 discussion in Section 7 for recommendations on routine monitoring of groundwater quality once the wells are operational.
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November 2011 13 Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01
Table 3 Summary of Groundwater Quality in Fintry Wells 1 and 2
Well 1 Well 2 CDWQG 1 Parameter Units Field Lab Field Lab pH pH units 7.89 8.00 8.03 8.08 AO 6.5 – 8.5 Temperature Deg. C 7.6 7.9 AO < 15 Conductivity uS/cm 283 285 310 282 - Turbidity NTU no specific turbidity guideline 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 for groundwater Oxidation Reduction mV 60 140 - Potential (ORP) General Parameters Total dissolved mg/ L 162 167 AO < 500 solids Total hardness mg/ L 143 146 no specific guideline; hardness > 150 mg/L considered very hard Fluoride mg/ L 0.15 0.12 MAC < 1.5 Nitrate mg/ L <0.01 <0.01 MAC < 10 Sodium mg/ L 5.37 6.81 AO < 200 Chloride mg/ L 0.74 0.80 AO < 250 Sulfate mg/ L 7.2 7.3 AO < 500 UV transmittance % @254 93.9 96.3 - nm Total Organic mg/ L 3.6 7.8 - Carbon Total Metals arsenic mg/ L 0.0016 <0.0005 MAC < 0.01 Iron mg/ L 0.05 0.07 AO < 0.3 manganese mg/ L 0.016 0.013 AO < 0.05 uranium mg/ L 0.0030 0.00305 MAC < 0. 02 Microbiological Parameters Total coliform and CFU/ <1 <1 MAC < 1 E coli 100mL <1 <1 MAC < 1 Iron related bacteria Present/ Detected Not detected - not present Sulphate reducing Present/ Not detected Not detected - bacteria not present Source: Summit (2010)
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November 2011 14 Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01 5. MODULE #2 CONTAMINANT SOURCE INVENTORY
As described within the S2TAG, Module #2 comprises a contaminant source inventory which identifies inherent risks to water quality as well as describing land uses, human activities and other potential contaminant sources that could affect source water quality. The term “contaminant source” is defined within the S2TAG to mean both actual/existing and potential sources of contamination.
5.1 Objectives and Methods The Objective of Module 2 is to inventory existing and known potential contamination sources in and around the proposed APA and then to summarize what is known about these sites so that the potential risk to drinking water may be assessed further in Module 7.
We used the following methods in completing the contamination source survey:
1) A search of the B.C. Site Registry Database which contains information on reported contaminated sites and spills;
2) A review of historic aerial photographs of the Fintry area;
3) A visual survey of areas in and around the proposed APA conducted in June 2011. This was conducted partially on foot and partly by vehicle;
4) A review of records on existing wells in the area; and
5) An evaluation of groundwater pollution potential associated with the presence of private sewage disposal systems in lower Fintry within and nearby to the proposed APA.
5.2 Contamination Source Inventory The results of the contaminant source inventory are presented in Table A1 , which follows the report text and Maps. Considering that there are only two main types of land use in the area (residential and parks) it is not surprising that relatively few potential contamination sources were identified (7 in all). In theory, each residential domestic sewage disposal system represents a potential point source of groundwater contamination, but we are grouping the existing and potential future systems together as a non-point source. The rationale for this is that there is no way of knowing whether one septic system would pose a greater or lesser risk of groundwater contamination than another (this would all depend on whether hazardous substances other than domestic waste were disposed of, which is typically quite rare). The septic system density in lower Fintry is moderate (about 1 system per 1 ha within the proposed APA; 2-3 systems per ha would be considered a high density). This suggests some risk of water
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November 2011 15 Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01 quality degradation, and therefore in order to further assess this we evaluated the groundwater pollution potential from septic systems in this hydrogeologic setting, which is summarized below.
Some of the more important factors to consider in the assessment of groundwater pollution potential from septic systems include the following:
• Overall septic system density (e.g. number of units per acre); • Depth to water table and potential for denitrification by natural processes; • Depth to well screens in water supply wells; • Properties of the aquifer, especially hydraulic gradient and flow velocity; and • In high-flow aquifers, the nitrate concentration of upgradient groundwater.
Density . The proposed APA comprises approximately 15 ha (37 acres) of land. Within this area, there are approximately 37 residential lots, which indicates a septic system density of one per acre. Based on literature reviewed by WWAL, for example, Tinker (1991) there is a risk of increased nitrate at densities of one or more lots per acre.
Depth to water table and organic carbon . Groundwater is found approximately within 4 m of the ground surface in lower Fintry. According to Tinker (1991) areas of shallower groundwaters, especially where there is elevated organic carbon, have good potential to promote denitrification. The initial samples of the two Fintry wells, which are screened in the deeper portion of the aquifer, indicate elevated organic carbon concentrations. Shallower zones in the aquifer may have higher organic carbon content, suggesting a good potential for denitrification exists.
Depth to well screen in water supply wells . The is solid evidence in the literature (Hill 1982, Townsend and Young 1992; Hantzche and Finnemore 1992; and others) for limited vertical mixing of nitrate in groundwater below and downgradient of unsewered subdivisions. The thickness of the mixing zone may vary, but is typically more limited in “ high flow “ aquifers, i.e. those with a moderate to high hydraulic gradient and high flow velocity. The Fintry aquifer is an inclined fan-type, with high hydraulic conductivity and would fall into the category of a fast-flowing aquifer. In addition, from Table 1 the screens (intake zones) in Fintry wells 1 and 2 are approximately 25 to 30 metres below the water table, placing them well below the probable effluent mixing zone in this aquifer.
Concentration of nitrate in upgradient groundwater . Upgradient groundwater is mostly recharged by Shorts Creek, and given probable low nutrient loading in its watershed under ambient forest conditions, the probable nitrate concentration in upgradient groundwater is
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November 2011 16 Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01 likely very low. This is supported by the samples obtained from wells 1 and 2 that showed non- detectable nitrate at a detection limit of 0.01mg/L. Given that there is only very limited development possible in upgradient areas (a few infill lots within lower Fintry), it is likely that inflowing groundwater will not be susceptible to significant increases in nitrogen loading in future.
Another factor that could influence nutrients in groundwater at Fintry is if certain ammonia and phosphorus-based fire retardant chemicals are used to fight forest fires and surface water quality effects influence the quality of water entering the aquifer. Fire retardant use can lead to a temporary nutrient loading increase in surface water runoff (Neary et. al 2005). According to a discussion with the drinking water officer (Birtles pers. comm 2011) at least two types of fire retardants were used in fighting the 2009 Terrace Mountain fire and therefore, some retardant application within the Shorts Creek catchment is probable (see Module 7 and 8 for further discussion).
In summary, while wells 1 and 2 are downgradient of some private sewage disposal systems, the limited number of such systems (now and in the future) combined with the depth of the wells and the properties of the aquifer suggest that overall risk of high nitrate in the wells (i.e. concentrations ranging from 5 to 10 mg/L or more) is low. There are only single-family septic systems in the proposed aquifer protection area, and higher density development, which would presumably involve community wastewater collection and disposal, is not allowed under current zoning nor is any such development planned. Refer to Module 8 for recommendations regarding ongoing and future groundwater quality monitoring to assess nutrient concentrations, and land-use management recommendations intended to promote source protection in regards to effluent disposal within the capture zones and nearby adjacent lands.
5.3 Site Registry Search Given that land use in the Fintry area has been limited mainly to past agricultural and present residential and park uses, we would not expect groundwater contamination from industrial or commercial activities. To confirm this, we searched the B.C. Site Registry Database for an area of 0.5 km radius from the centre of the APA. No properties were identified in the search.
5.4 Airphoto Review A report by Dobson Engineering (2009) included a series of airphotos taken in 1973, 1984, 1992 and 2006. The 1973 photo appears to depict what remains of the agricultural use of the lands that are now part of Fintry Park, and does not show any evidence of residential lot
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November 2011 17 Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01 development in lower Fintry (though it is likely there were some lakefront cottages). By 1992, further development is in evidence and most the lands that are now part of the park appear much as they do today (hayfields, with treed areas along the creek and near the lake).
A further series of airphotos were obtained by WWAL ranging from 1939 to 2004 (copies are available in our files). These photos clearly show the gradual shift in land use from largely undeveloped except for the Fintry Estate (1930s and 1940s) to the 1960s when subdivisions in lower and upper Fintry were first created to the present day situation of park and residential use. There is not any evidence of gravel pits or landfills in the airphoto sequence, or any other possible signs of industrial activity, which is what would be expected as the northwest side of Okanagan Lake is still only moderately developed and then what development does exist is mainly seasonal residential.
The airphotos do not indicate significant migration of the Shorts Creek channel from its present course, but there is evidence of more localized bank erosion that has occurred in the past 14 years in the Dobson report, which describes the erosion in the channel that was initiated during high flows in 1997 immediately downstream of the existing bridge. This bank erosion occurred near Fintry lots 88 and 87, which are about 300 metres from the well site. Some remedial works on the bank in this area were recommended by Dobson, whose report also concluded that the capacity of the channel under the bridge accessing the park is greater than the estimated 1 in 200 year maximum daily flow in the creek.
5.5 Windshield and Visual Survey and Hazard I.D. Table Doug Geller, P.Geo of WWAL completed a windshield and walking visual survey of properties in the proposed APA and nearby adjacent areas, recorded observations and photographed some sites.
As a complement to Table A1, Table A2 provides the Hazard Identification for the proposed APA. The results of the contaminant source survey together with the hazard analysis suggest that existing and likely land uses in the area have mostly a low to moderate potential to impact the underlying aquifer. A qualitative assessment was made of the land-use activity, proximity to supply wells, existing preventative measures and associated barriers as a precursor to Module 7. Nine potential hazards were identified, are highlighted in Table A2 , and summarized below:
1) Existing and potential septic tank systems in lower Fintry – there are approximately 40 buildable lots within the proposed APA, plus the caretaker’s building. Of these, about 33 appear to have been developed. 2) Existing residential roads in lower Fintry and the main access road to Fintry, and
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3) Westside Road. The latter is the main transportation corridor but is outside the proposed APA as well as the geographic extent of the Fintry aquifer, but is uphill from the aquifer recharge area. 4) The adjacent hayfield, which is part of Fintry Park, is listed as a potential hazard because it is undeveloped and should this use change, further assessment would be required due to the proximity to the wells and location within the APA. 5) Shorts Creek and 6) Okanagan Lake. These surface water sources are approximately 250 and 200 metres from the wells respectively. Natural or human-caused contamination of these sources presents a potential threat to groundwater quality in the aquifer. 7) Existing known or unknown wells (especially shallow “dug” wells) that are poorly constructed such that surface contaminants could readily reach the aquifer through short-circuiting the well bore or well casing. 8) Water system relies on two closely spaced wells, which increases system vulnerability to a contamination event affecting both wells. 9) Potential flooding and debris flows associated with Shorts Creek have not been quantified and pose a natural hazard to homes in the area as well as the well site.
5.6 Zoning and land use within the proposed APA WWAL reviewed zoning information available on the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) website. From the visual survey (Section 5.5), land use appears limited to park and residential uses. According to RDCO zoning maps, and the RDCO Zoning Bylaw 871, there are five zones in the area: Rural 1 (RU1), Country Residential (RU4), Small Lot Country Residential (RU5) and Single Detached Housing (R1). Appendix D provides a copy of the current zoning map for the area and descriptions of each of the zoning designations that exist in the assessment area.
• The R1 zone allows single-family residential dwellings, typified by the lots in lower Fintry and subdivisions above Westside Road. • The RU4 and RU5 zones are larger lot residential zones, with a slightly larger parcel size than R1. There are only two lots with this zone in lower Fintry (see Appendix D ). • The RU1 zone has a minimum parcel size of 30 ha, and includes the existing Park and Protected Area lands. The information on the zoning map, with regard to the Fintry Protected Area, does not seem to be consistent with a B.C. Parks (2006) zoning plan for the protected area. RU1 has permitted uses that may not be consistent with the current park or open space use, such as intensive agriculture, major home-based
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business, kennels, agricultural worker dwellings and so on (see Appendix D for a full description). • However, Bylaw 871 provides for a CL8 zone, which is intended for lands and watercourses where protection and conservation are the primary objective and also where passive recreational uses and preservation of cultural heritage are also allowed. This CL8 zone may be more consistent with the current and likely future use of the Fintry Park and Protected Area lands. Further information on this zone is provided in Appendix D.
As noted above, there are no high-density residential land uses allowed that would involve community wastewater fields. However, Type I septic systems on individual lots are allowed, which does not provide for any pre-treatment of effluent prior to ground discharge. There are also no commercial or industrial land uses in Fintry or within the proposed APA. Such uses if present would likely pose a hazard to groundwater quality. There is a small amount of moderate density residential development in lower Fintry that is not serviced by municipal sewers, and this issue as it relates to groundwater pollution potential from septic systems was discussed in Section 5.2 and is further characterized in Section 6.
5.7 Reported or known wells in the Fintry Aquifer Summit (2010) completed a search of the B.C. Water Resources Atlas for reported wells in the Fintry aquifer. A check by WWAL in 2011 indicated no change in the status of reported wells, but additional information is available on wells in the area from other sources. In summary, not including the new Fintry groundwater supply wells, there are six reported / known wells completed in the aquifer and all but one of the existing reported / known wells are outside the proposed APA. Table 4 below summarizes existing information on these wells based on Summit (2010). There is also what appears to be a dug well located on Lot #1 in lower Fintry.
Table 4. Reported or known wells in the Fintry Aquifer (No. 358IIA)
Well Tag Depth Number (ft/m) Driller Estimated General Location Comments (WTN) Yield 76776 76 ft (23 m) 100+ US gpm North delta BC Parks well. Field (378+ L/min) located by Summit 70259 75 ft (23 m) 525 US gpm North delta BC Parks Well. Not field (2,000 L/min) located. 57474 18 ft (5.5 m) 20 US gpm (76 L/min) East -central delta Not field located 82621 No data No data East -central delta Not field located 57019 40 ft (12 m) 150 US gpm (570 L/min) South delta Not field located Unknown Unknown (but a dug Unknown Lot 1, Lower Fintry Field -located by WWAL. well so probably Located within proposed about 5 m) APA.
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CTQ (2010) reported that two residents of lower Fintry have private water wells and are not connected to the Fintry Water System. Two wells shown in the above table are located within the subdivision (WTN 82621 and WTN 57019) and could be the wells referred to in the CTQ report. The so-called Bailey Estate (an approximately 2 acre parcel located on the lakefront just north of Shorts Creek) also appears to have a well. According to the Park Management Plan (1998), the lease on this lot expires January 1, 2012 when the parcel reverts to Parks ownership and management. There is a residence on this property.
Should RDCO enact a bylaw requiring all residents to connect to the new water system, then the private wells within lower Fintry would have to be disconnected from domestic service and either closed (decommissioned) or converted to irrigation (non-potable) sources.
Since reporting of wells remains voluntary in B.C. there may be additional unreported wells in the area. If such wells exist and are not property constructed (e.g. with sealed wellheads and surface seals) they could represent a potential source of groundwater contamination. This is because they can represent a conduit for surface contamination sources to migrate directly into the aquifer. However, the proposed APA has been visited many times by WWAL personnel and other than the well on Lot 1, we have not seen surface evidence of additional shallow (dug) wells.
6. MODULE #7 CHARACTERIZE RISKS FROM SOURCE TO TAP Module #7 of the S2TAG probably forms the most important step in the source-to-tap assessment process. The purpose of the module is to synthesize all of the water system information (strengths and vulnerabilities) into a comprehensive assessment of the major water supply elements and the system as a whole.
In the context of water systems, it is noted that both low probability / high magnitude and high probability / low magnitude risk events can result in adverse effects to human health and safety, and present risk management concerns to community water suppliers. The risk evaluation matrix discussed below is conservative in this respect and forces consideration of highly unlikely events that could have major consequences if they occur. Such events are normally dealt with by emergency response and/or contingency planning.
6.1 Objectives and Methodology The purpose of the risk assessment is to determine the level of risk posed by each identified drinking water hazard, and also considers the risk posed by the potential for future land use change in the area. A qualitative evaluation of risk typically involves an analysis of both the
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November 2011 21 Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01 probability of a given risk event as well as the magnitude of the risk. This study has followed the structured approach to the assessment of risk as presented in the S2TAG as follows.
The likelihood of a given risk event has been assigned a value of ‘A’ to ‘E’ according to the S2TAG approach presented in Table 5 .
Table 5. Levels of Likelihood Description
Level Descriptor Description Probability of Occurrence in Next 10 Years Is expected to occur in A Almost certain > 90% most circumstances Will probably occur in most B Likely 71-90% circumstances Will probably occur at some C Possible 31-70% time D Unlikely Could occur at some time 10-30% May only occur in E Rare < 10% exceptional circumstances
The relative consequences associated with the occurrence of a given risk event have been assigned a value of 1 to 5 according to the S2TAG approach presented in Table 6 while the resulting Qualitative Risk Analysis Matrix based on combining Likelihood and Consequence is provided in Table 7.
Table 6. Relative Levels of Consequence Description
Level Descriptor Description Insignificant impact, no illness, little disruption to normal 1 Insignificant operation, little or no increase in normal operating costs. Minor impact for small population, mild illness moderately 2 Minor likely, some manageable operation disruption, small increase in operating costs Minor impact for large population, mild to moderate illness 3 Moderate probable, significant moderation to normal operation but manageable, operating costs increase, increased monitoring Major impact for small population, severe illness probable, 4 Major systems significantly compromised and abnormal operation if at all, high level monitoring required Major impact for large population, sever illness probable, 5 Catastrophic complete failure of systems
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Table 7. Qualitative Risk Analysis Matrix
Consequences
Likelihood 1 2 3 4 5 Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic A (almost certain) Moderate High Very High Very High Very High
B (likely) Moderate High High Very High Very High
C (possible) Low Moderate High Very High Very High
D (unlikely) Low Low Moderate High Very High
E (rare) Low Low Moderate High High
6.2 Risk Characterization Table Table A3 attached presents the Risk Evaluation Summary for the nine potential drinking water hazards identified for the proposed APA. The level of risk for each hazard is classified as either low or low to moderate except for the potential for both wells to be affected by a contamination event at the same time, which is not considered likely but would have large consequences. Also, the interpreted level of risk for a potential future change in land use in the area (Hazard reference No. 4) is evaluated as moderate. Although private sewage disposal (septic) systems are a well-documented source of potential groundwater contamination, the number of buildable lots within the proposed APA and the aquifer as a whole is not great enough to increase the septic density to the point that nutrient and other contaminant loading would be expected to cause progressive degradation in groundwater quality. Even so, because the aquifer is unconfined, of excellent quality, and highly productive, it is a valuable resource critical to the area’s future, and steps to maintaining the current relative low level of risk are addressed in Section 7. These steps include a regular program of groundwater quality monitoring and a possible phasing out of Type I systems for new development.
The potential for fire retardants used in suppressing the 2009 Terrace Mountain fire could have resulted in an increase in nutrients (mainly ammonia or nitrate) in Shorts Creek. In turn, this could have an effect on nutrient concentrations in the Fintry Fan aquifer. Literature reviewed on this topic (Neary et al 2005; Norris and Webb 1989) focused on the relative short-term effects of retardant application on fish mortality based on studies conducted in the United States, and seemed to suggest that water quality effects are relatively short-lived from such
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November 2011 23 Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01 events. However, we are not aware of any water quality monitoring of Shorts Creek, and a limited sampling program could help close this data gap.
6.3 System Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats The significant factors with potential to influence drinking water quality and availability now and into the future are discussed below in a Strengths, Opportunities, Weaknesses and Threats (SWOT) analysis.
System Strengths
• Natural groundwater quality is excellent. Minimal development and contamination sources in the capture zone of the wells should promote continued high quality water. • Land use in the area is limited to residential and recreational (park) use. There is no commercial or industrial activity in the area, and none is planned. • The Regional District of Central Okanagan is a local government with the demonstrated ability to own and operate water systems, including other groundwater-based systems elsewhere in the regional district; and has the ability to protect the water source using its OCP, bylaws and progressive compliance. • The source water capacity is sufficient to accommodate some growth in the area without stressing the area’s water supplies. • There are two well sources, each capable of meeting the anticipated system maximum day demand, thus minimizing the risk of water shortages due to equipment or well failure.
System Weaknesses
• The S2TAG describes a system weakness as a “fundamental deficiency in the protective and preventative measures in the water supply system.” Regarding the well sources, no such deficiency is noted. Although the water system has not yet been commissioned and as such it is not possible to assess the entire system, because it is a new system built to today’s standards, it is not likely that there would be deficiencies identified meeting this definition.
System Opportunities
• Provision of signs and other forms of communication (e.g. pamphlets) with the public present opportunities to raise awareness that the Fintry aquifer is an important local supply of drinking water.
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• The regional government has the ability to create bylaws to promote aquifer protection and also may re-zone lands as appropriate to current usage and to promote aquifer protection. • The regional government has the ability to apply for and receive grant funding should the system require improvements or expansion in future.
System Threats
• The potential for Shorts Creek flooding presents an intrinsic risk to the safety of the water supplies; this could arise from flooding or a major channel shift to the south. • Due to the relative close proximity of the two wells (33 m apart), an unforeseen event that contaminates the local aquifer at or just upgradient of the well site could threaten both wells, even though one well is completed in a deeper portion of the aquifer than the other, this is still an inherent risk of having both wells in relative close proximity. • The potential natural hazard arising from Shorts Creek flooding or channel migration exists for the entire area including the area of the wells.
In summary, existing land uses pose mostly low to low-moderate risks. The unlikely event of a transportation-related spill to ground or some other contamination event that compromises both wells are rated as moderate and moderate-high respectively, but are both very unlikely. In our opinion, all of the risks can be effectively managed with proper planning and monitoring, which is discussed in the next section (Recommendations).
7. MODULE #8 RECOMMENDED ACTIONS TO PROMOTE GROUNDWATER PROTECTION The Upper Fintry/Shalal Road/Valley of the Sun Water System has the advantage of being a new water system designed to today’s engineering and health protection standards. The water sources are new wells located in an area where land use is limited to medium density residential and undeveloped parklands. The initial groundwater quality samples collected on the wells indicate excellent raw water quality. The risk characterization analysis did not identify any high or extremely high ranked threats to drinking water quality.
Therefore, future management actions for source protection should concentrate on ways to ensure that the present situation continues. The following are the needs identified as a result of this study:
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• The need for increased public awareness that the lower Fintry area and specifically the proposed APA serves as the source of drinking water for hundreds of homes throughout the Fintry area.
• The need to address the potential for a transportation-related spill to ground within the well capture zones;
• The need for continued groundwater quality and quantity monitoring, especially during the first few years of system operation, the importance of regular professional review of results, and then continued monitoring at appropriate frequency on an ongoing basis;
• The existing density of private sewage disposal systems in lower Fintry suggests some additional study could be done to help confirm that the potential water quality impact from these systems on wells 1 and 2 is low; in addition, the applicability of continuing to allow Type I systems on newly developed lots needs review; and
• The need for zoning amendments to reflect current and likely future parks and open space land uses, as opposed to the current RU1`zoning that allows some uses that may not be compatible with groundwater protection within the proposed APA.
The following presents the recommendations based on the identified risk management needs. The timeline for their implementation should be determined in discussions between RDCO and the IHA Drinking Water Officer, with the suggestion that agreed upon management actions be included in the system operating permit. Most of the recommendations can be implemented within the first year or two of water system operation and in our opinion none of them are required prior to commissioning the water system.
1. To promote increased awareness and formalization of the APA , RDCO should
a. Add more “Entering Fintry Groundwater Protection Area” signs similar to the existing sign shown in Figure 3: one sign could be placed near the top of the main Fintry access road where it intersects Westside Road and another sign could be placed in lower Fintry in the vicinity of Lot 1, and
b. Include a map depicting the proposed APA and the final management recommendations in the next update to the Area OCP. Further, a new section describing the APA and the goals of the protection program could be written into the OCP. Examples of how this might be accomplished are provided in the
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Groundwater Bylaws Toolkit, published in 2009 by the Okanagan Basin Water Board.
2. To address the potential for a high-consequence transportation-related spill to ground , RDCO should work with the Ministry of Highways and the local fire district to ensure that RDCO is notified should there be a transportation-related spill of fuel or other substances in the area (in particular, any location in Fintry below Westside Road) that could threaten groundwater quality. RDCO should also incorporate a spill to ground scenario in its Emergency Operations Plan for the water system. Further coordinate or communicate planning with the Environmental Emergency Program within the Environmental Protection Division.
3. To promote management of sewage disposal systems in the proposed APA, RDCO should not allow any high density residential or commercial (resort) development that would involve community wastewater disposal; moreover, RDCO should review the applicability of requiring Type II or Type III septic systems on newly developed lots and/or for any failed septic systems that are being replaced. The latter could potentially be implemented through a development permit process.
4. To address the need for continued water monitoring , RDCO should
a. The new wells have only been sampled once at the time of construction in 2010. To confirm that water quality remains excellent following the start of continuous pumping and to build a good database of water quality during the early years of system operation, conduct annual potability sampling from each operating well, and forward the results at the end of the third year of sampling to a qualified professional (QP) for review and comment; and for the purpose of recommending an appropriate ongoing water quality monitoring plan. The exception to this recommendation would be if at any time a Guideline exceedance is noted, that the affected source(s) be re-sampled and then the results should be reviewed as soon as possible by a QP.
b. Sample water quality in Shorts Creek above the bridge quarterly for one year focusing on nutrient concentrations to see if there is a risk that nutrient transport from surface water to groundwater is a potential concern. If elevated nutrients (nitrogen, mainly) are noted in the samples, the results should be reviewed by a QP.
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c. Based on the discussion in Section 5, it is believed that the risk of septic effluent- related impacts such as high nitrate is low for wells 1 and 2. However, the 1 lot per acre density of septic system suggests there could be some impacts evident in the shallower part of the aquifer. RDCO could consider sampling the existing shallow domestic wells in lower Fintry (especially Well Tag No. 57019) that are located in a downgradient direction (near the lakeshore) to assess this potential; or alternatively, conduct sampling of shallow groundwater in the foreshore area using several temporary mini-piezometers. If nitrate concentrations in these sampling points are low, then this would support the concept that there are strong effects in the aquifer from dilution and denitrification, which would indicate an even lower nitrate contamination potential. This study could build on current information, and could possibly qualify for grant funding through the Okanagan Basin Water Board. This assessment is not considered as required prior to commissioning the water system.
5. To update zoning to reflect current land use and to protect undeveloped lands from future development that could threaten groundwater quality , RDCO should engage B.C. Parks in a discussion regarding the possible re-zoning of Park lands from the current RU1 Zone to the CL8 Zone or another appropriate zone that reflects parks, open space or protected area land use (as well as community water supply), and also develop a means to ensure that RDCO and IH are consulted with regarding any proposed changes to parks operations and/or land use that could potentially affect the proposed Aquifer Protection Area. This includes ensuring that future use of the hayfield area adjacent to the wells does not involve intensive agriculture, which we would define as involving livestock grazing, irrigation combined with fertilizer, herbicide and pesticide application.
Similarly, in order to minimize further septic effluent loading to the subsurface, RDCO should not entertain further applications for subdivision within lower Fintry (for example, re-zoning or subdividing the few larger lots that do remain).
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REFERENCES
1. British Columbia Ministry of Lands and Parks (1998). Management Plan for Fintry Provincial Park + Appendices. 2. British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Parks Division (2006). Fintry Protected Area Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan. 3. CTQ Consultants (2010). RDCO Fintry Water Utility Study. Prepared for Regional District of Central Okanagan 4. Dobson Engineering (2009) Shorts Creek Assessment of Erosion affecting Lots 88, 87, 86 Plan 15329 ODYD, Consultant Report prepared for John Cordinier, provided by RDCO to WWAL. 5. Environment Canada (Water Survey Canada) 2011. Okanagan Lake Level Data for Station 08NM083 (Okanagan Lake at Kelowna). http://www.wsc.ec.gc.ca/applications/H2O/graph- eng.cfm?station=08NM083&report=daily&year=2009 6. Fetter, C.W. (2001). Applied Hydrogeology, 4 th Ed. Prentice-Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. 7. Golder and Summit (2009) Groundwater Objectives 2 and 3, Okanagan Water Supply and Demand Project, report prepared for the Okanagan Basin Water Board. 8. Hanztche and Finnemore (1992) Predicting Nitrate-Nitrogen Groundwater Impacts. Ground Water, V. 30 No. 4. 9. Hill, A. (1982) Nitrate Distribution in the Groundwater of the Alliston Region of Ontario, Canada. Ground Water V. 20. 10. Kreye et al (1998) An Aquifer Classification System for Groundwater Management in British Columbia , BC Ministry of Environment, Water Management Division, Victori. 11. Neary, D., K. Ryan, and L. DeBano (2005). Wildland fire in ecosystems: effects of fire on soils and water. USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS GTR-42 –vol 4. 12. Nielson-Welch & Allen (2007) Groundwater and Hydrogeological Conditions in the Okanagan Basin, British Columbia, A State-of-the Basin Report, prepared for the Okanagan Basin Water Board. 13. Norris, L. and W. Webb (1989) Effects of fire retardant on water quality. USDA Forest Service Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-109. 14. Okanagan Basin Water Board (2009). Groundwater Bylaws Toolkit. Available at www.obwb.ca 15. Province of British Columbia Ministry of Environment - Water Resources Atlas and WELLS Database , web-hosted informational database with graphical interface. Accessed June 2011 at http:// srmapps.gov.bc.ca/apps/wrbc/ 16. Summit Environmental Consultants Inc. (2010) Final Report Fintry Groundwater Development Program: Completion Report. Prepared for TRUE Consulting & RDCO. 17. Tinker, J. (1991). An Analysis of Nitrate-Nitrogen in Ground Water Beneath Unsewered Subdivisions. Groundwater Monitoring Review, Winter 1991. 18. Townsend, K. and R. Young (1992). Factors Affecting Nitrate Concentration in Groundwater in Stafford County, KS. Kansas Geological Survey Bulletin. 19. TRUE Consulting (2010) Pre-Design Report for North Westside Water System. Prepared for Regional District of Central Okanagan.
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November 2011 30 Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of Sun Water System Source Protection 11-013-01 Western Water Associates Ltd. Standard Report Limitations
1. This Document has been prepared for the particular purpose outlined in the work scope that has been mutually agreed to with the Client. 2. The scope and the period of service provided by Western Water Associates Ltd are subject to restrictions and limitations outlined in subsequent numbered limitations. 3. A complete assessment of all possible conditions or circumstances that may exist at the Site or within the Study Area referenced, has not been undertaken. Therefore, if a service is not expressly indicated, it has not been provided and if a matter is not addressed, no determination has been made by Western Water Associates Ltd in regards to it. 4. Conditions may exist which were undetectable given the limited nature of the enquiry that Western Water Associates Ltd. was retained to undertake with respect to the assignment. Variations in conditions may occur between investigatory locations, and there may be special conditions pertaining to the Site, or Study Area, which have not been revealed by the investigation and which have not therefore been taken into account in the Document. Accordingly, additional studies and actions may be required. 5. In addition, it is recognised that the passage of time affects the information and assessment provided in this Document. Western Water Associates Ltd’s opinions are based upon information that existed at the time of the production of the Document. It is understood that the Services provided allowed Western Water Associates Ltd to form no more than an opinion of the actual conditions of the Site, or Study Area, at the time the site was visited and cannot be used to assess the effect of any subsequent changes in the quality of the Site, or Study Area, nor the surroundings, or any laws or regulations. 6. Any assessments made in this Document are based on the conditions indicated from published sources and the investigation described. No warranty is included, either expressed or implied, that the actual conditions will conform exactly to the assessments contained in this Document. 7. Where data supplied by the Client or other external sources, including previous site investigation data, have been used, it has been assumed that the information is correct unless otherwise stated. 8. No responsibility is accepted by Western Water Associates Ltd for incomplete or inaccurate data supplied by others. 9. The Client acknowledges that Western Water Associates Ltd may have retained sub- consultants affiliated to provide Services. Western Water Associates Ltd will be fully responsible to the Client for the Services and work done by all of its sub-consultants and subcontractors. The Client agrees that it will only assert claims against and seek to recover losses, damages or other liabilities from Western Water Associates Ltd. 10. This Document is provided for sole use by the Client and is confidential to it and its professional advisers. No responsibility whatsoever for the contents of this Document will be accepted to any person other than the Client. Except for the agencies represented by the TAC for this project, any use which a third party makes of this Document, or any reliance on or decisions to be made based on it, is the responsibility of such third parties. Western Water Associates Ltd. accepts no responsibility for damages, if any, suffered by any third party as a result of decisions made or actions based on this Document. l
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Proposed Aquifer Protection Area
Well 1 Well 2
0 150m 300m
Map 2: Proposed Fintry Aquifer Protection Area
Drawn by: RR Checked by: DG Date: Sept 2011
Project - Fintry Source Protection Project #: 11-013-01 Extent of MOE Aquifer 358IIA 70259 76776
BC Parks Wells
18228 Proposed Aquifer Protection Area
Hazard 7 - Shallow or poorly constructed wells
Hazard 2 - Subdivision Roads Within Lower Fintry
Hazard 5 - Surface Water: 57494 Shorts Creek Hazard 1 - Exisiting or potential future septic fields on residential lots within APA
Hazard 4 - Hayfield 82621
Well 1 Well 2
57019 Hazard 6 - Surface Water: Okanagan Lake
0 250m 500m
Hazard 3 - Transportation Corridor
Image Source: Google Earth. Image based on and modified from Summit 2010. Legend 57019 Reported water wells (MOE 2010) Well 1 Fintry Water System Wells
Map 3: Location of Identified Potential Contamination Sources
Drawn by: RR Checked by: DG Date: Sept 2011
Project - Fintry Source Protection Project #: 11-013-01 Table A1. Potential Contaminant Inventory for Fintry Groundwater Wells Supplying the Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of the Sun Water System
Hazard Contaminant Source Location/Address Approx. Distance Possible Contaminant Transport Comments Reference type and Description to Source from Contaminants of Method No. nearest well Concern
1 Existing or potential future Parks BC Gate 500 m Fecal coliform Groundwater flow septic fields on residential house Nutrients (e.g. nitrate- lots Lots 1-17, 74-88 150 to 250 m nitrogen) Lots 17-23 100 to 200 m Chloride (as an (excluding 19) indicator) Lot 40 30 to 65 m
2 Subdivision roads within Fintry Delta Rd 100 to 150 m Road salt Infiltration through unsaturated lower Fintry Morden Rd 30 m Vehicle fluids soil then groundwater transport
3 Transportation Corridor Westside Road and 250 to > 500 m Road salt Infiltration through unsaturated Fintry Delta Road Vehicle fluids soil, or runoff above park and Vehicle spill from subdivision accidents
4 Hayfield Portion of Fintry < 10 m None existing. Infiltration through unsaturated Park adjacent to well Contaminants such as soil or runoff site fecal coliforms and nutrients could occur only if grazing is allowed of if field is fertilized and irrigated
5 Surface Water Shorts Creek 250 m Turbidity, sediment, Infiltration through soil to aquifer microbiological, then groundwater flow possibly nutrients
6 Surface Water Okanagan Lake 200 m Turbidity, sediment, Infiltration into aquifer then microbiological groundwater flow
7 Shallow or poorly Unknown Septic effluent if nearby, Short-circuiting from surface to constructed wells lawn fertilizers, surface aquifer along well, then water infiltration groundwater flow
Table A2. Hazard Identification Table for Fintry Groundwater Wells Supplying the Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of the Sun Water System
Hazard Drinking Water Hazard Possible Effects Existing Preventative Associated Barrier(s) Comments Reference Measures No.
1 Existing or potential future Nutrients and Setbacks all > 30 m / 100 Groundwater will be Nitrate loading analysis septic fields on residential microbiological ft. disinfected; monitoring conducted to assess lots contaminants in Density of septic systems for potential nitrate is probability of shallow groundwater is low to moderate within planned. groundwater quality well capture zones. impacts
2 Subdivision roads within Transportation-related None (there is no None lower Fintry spill of automotive fuels stormwater collection or other chemicals system)
3 Transportation Corridor Transportation-related None None (Westside Road) spill or automotive fuels or other chemicals; possible effects from road salt on hilly sections of road
4 Hayfield None at present None None (hayfield north of wells is not actively cultivated or used for grazing)
5 Surface Water – Shorts GWUDI risk is None Disinfection of Wells are ~200 metres Creek considered low groundwater prior to from Shorts Creek. consumption is planned Summit (2010) Nutrients in runoff from considered wells non- fire fighting? GWUDI
6 Surface Water – GWUDI risk is None Disinfection of Wells are ~150 m from Okanagan Lake considered low groundwater prior to Okanagan Lake. consumption is planned Summit (2010) considered wells non- GWUDI Table A2 Hazard Identification Table – Page 2
Hazard Drinking Water Hazard Possible Effects Existing Preventative Associated Barrier(s) Comments Reference Measures No.
7 Shallow or poorly Contamination of None RDCO well closure One shallow (dug) well constructed wells aquifer due to poor well bylaw known to exist on Lot 1 construction
8 Water system relies on If contamination were to None None Wells 1 and 2 are two closely-spaced wells occur, it could affect about 90 m apart but in both wells. From a same aquifer mechanical reliability standpoint, the system can operate if one well goes off-line
9 Potential flooding of If channel were to None Channel stabilization Wells 1 and 2 are not Shorts Creek – and migrate toward wells, project per located in a mapped associated channel GWUDI risk could recommendation of floodplain, but migration increase Dobson Report geologically, the entire Fintry delta was built by Shorts Creek flood events
Table A3. Risk Characterization Summary for Fintry Groundwater Wells Supplying the Upper Fintry/Shalal Rd/Valley of the Sun Water System
Hazard Drinking Water Hazard Likelihood Level Consequence Level Risk Level Comments Reference (from text Table 5) (from text Table 6) (from text Table 7) No.
1 Existing or potential future D 3 Moderate See Section 5.3 of septic fields on residential report and Section 7 lots in lower Fintry Recommendations
2 Subdivision roads within E 3 Moderate See Section 7 lower Fintry Recommendations
3 Transportation Corridor E 3 Moderate See Section 7 (Westside Road) Recommendations
4 Hayfield (part of Park) E 2 Low Risk could increase if land use changes. See Section 7 Recommendations
5 Surface Water – Shorts E 2 Low NWWS wells not Creek (GWUDI) or other considered GWUDI water quality (e.g. nutrients from fire fighting) Possible increase in nutrients in runoff from fire fighting is unknown
6 Surface Water – E 2 Low NWWS wells not Okanagan Lake considered GWUDI
7 Shallow or poorly D 3 Moderate Only one such well is constructed wells known to exist (lot 1)
8 Water system relies on E 4 Moderate-High High consequence only two closely-spaced wells if major water quality impact occurs to deeper part of aquifer. Table A3 Risk Characterization Summary Page 2
Hazard Drinking Water Hazard Likelihood Level Consequence Level Risk Level Comments Reference (from text Table 5) (from text Table 6) (from text Table 7) No.
9 Potential flooding of D 3 Moderate Unquantified natural Shorts Creek – and hazard. Wells are > associated channel 200 m from Shorts migration Creek suggested likelihood of physical damage to wells from flooding or debris flow is small, but further study needed to confirm this.
Appendix A
Fintry Provincial Park, Protected Area and Friends of Fintry Information
MANAGEMENT LAN P October, 1998
for Fintry Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks Provincial Park BC Parks Division Fintry Provincial Park MANAGEMENT PLAN
Prepared by BC Parks Okanagan District Summerland BC V0H 1Z0 Fintry Provincial Park Management Plan
Approved by:
Don Gough______Date:_99.02.04______Don Gough District Manager
Denis O’Gorman______Date:_ 99.02.04______Denis O'Gorman Assistant Deputy Minister
FINTRY PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN
October, 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... iv PLAN HIGHLIGHTS ...... iv RECOMMENDATIONS ...... v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS...... v
SECTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 OVERVIEW...... 1 1.2 THE MANAGEMENT PLANNING PROCESS ...... 1 1.3 RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER LAND USE PLANS ...... 2
SECTION 2.0 BACKGROUND AND SITE DESCRIPTION ...... 5 2.1 LOCATION...... 5 2.2 LAKE AND WEATHER CONDITIONS...... 5 2.3 SITE TOPOGRAPHY...... 5 2.4 LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS...... 5 2.5 PARK AGREEMENTS AND TENURES ...... 6 2.6 BUILDINGS AND LANDMARKS...... 10 2.7 REGIONAL CONTEXT...... 10 2.8 POPULATION ...... 12 2.9 NEIGHBORING PARK, TOURIST AND MARINA SITES ...... 13
SECTION 3.0 ROLE OF THE PARK...... 15 3.1 SIGNIFICANCE IN THE PROTECTED AREA SYSTEM...... 15 3.2 SIGNIFICANCE IN THE OKANAGAN REGION ...... 16 3.3 SIGNIFICANCE TO FIRST NATIONS...... 17 3.4 VISION STATEMENT ...... 18
SECTION 4.0 PARK ZONING ...... 19 4.1 SPECIAL FEATURE ZONE - NATURAL CONSERVATION...... 19 4.2 SPECIAL FEATURE ZONE - HERITAGE FEATURES ...... 21
i 4.3 INTENSIVE RECREATION ZONE...... 21 4.4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ZONE ...... 21
SECTION 5.0 NATURAL VALUES AND MANAGEMENT ...... 23 5.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 23 5.2 KEY CONSERVATION VALUES...... 25 5.3 VEGETATION...... 25 5.4 FISH AND WILDLIFE...... 28 5.5 IMPORTANT VIEWSCAPES...... 30 5.6 FOREST HEALTH / FIRE INTERFACE...... 31 5.7 WATER LICENSES...... 32
SECTION 6.0 RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES AND MANAGEMENT ...... 33 6.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 33 6.2 KEY RECREATION VALUES ...... 33 6.3 OVERALL DEVELOPMENT SITING...... 34 6.4 DAY USE OPPORTUNITIES ...... 34 6.5 HIKING OPPORTUNITIES AND OTHER TRAIL USES ...... 38 6.6 CAMPING ...... 40 6.7 OTHER RECREATION USES ...... 42 6.8 PARK ACCESS: ...... 42 6.9 PRELIMINARY CAMPGROUND LAYOUT:...... 45
SECTION 7.0 CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUES AND MANAGEMENT ...... 47 7.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 47 7.2 KEY HERITAGE VALUES ...... 48 7.3 HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION ...... 48 7.4 SPECIFIC HERITAGE FEATURES...... 50
SECTION 8.0 COMMUNICATIONS ...... 55 8.1 INTRODUCTION ...... 55 8.2 MARKETING AND PROMOTION...... 55 8.3 AWARENESS AND PRE-TRIP PLANNING...... 58 8.4 ORIENTATION INFORMATION...... 58 8.5 NATURE APPRECIATION ...... 59 8.6 CULTURAL HERITAGE EDUCATION...... 60
SECTION 9.0 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION...... 62 ii 9.1 INTRODUCTION...... 62 9.2 POTENTIAL FINTRY PARTNERSHIPS...... 62 9.3 DEVELOPMENT STAGING...... 63
APPENDIX A HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY...... 70
APPENDIX B BUILDING DESCRIPTIONS...... 75
APPENDIX C PARK SYSTEM GOALS...... 78
APPENDIX D INFORMATION SOURCES...... 79
LIST OF FIGURES
1.0 LOCATION PLAN ...... 3 2.0 SITE PLAN ...... 4 3.0 PLACE NAMES...... 9 4.0 RESORTS AND BOATING SERVICES ...... 14 5.0 ZONING PLAN ...... 20 6.0 NATURAL FEATURES ...... 24 7.0 PRELIMINARY CONCEPT PLAN ...... 46
iii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
BC Parks presents the following Management Plan to provide strategic direction for long term development and management of Fintry Park. Located on the western shore of Okanagan Lake, the 360 hectare park site represents a joint investment by the Province of British Columbia and the Regional District of Central Okanagan.
PLAN HIGHLIGHTS
Fintry Park is seen as a valuable contribution to the Okanagan Park system, fulfilling recreation and conservation needs for the future. The park site contains the following well known attributes:
Þ 1920 meters of natural shoreline on Okanagan Lake, providing an excellent beach for swimming, water sports and boating.
Þ Scenic landscape and cultural features, including views over Okanagan Lake; Shorts Creek canyon with natural pools and waterfalls; historic structures and buildings; forested hillsides and rock cliffs.
Þ Historic buildings including the Fintry Manor House, Gatekeepers House, Packing House and assorted barns, the most notable being an unusual octagonal barn. Remnants of power generation and irrigation systems are visible along Shorts Creek. The historic buildings at Fintry are reminders of a self-sufficient community of the early 1900’s, one of the early pioneer settlements of the Okanagan Valley.
In addition to its well known attributes, Fintry contains significant conservation values. It protects critical low elevation habitat for regionally threatened species and was previously part of the California Bighorn Sheep winter range. The park site protects relatively undisturbed riparian areas including lower reaches of Shorts Creek and parts of the Okanagan Lake shore which are important kokanee fish spawning grounds. It also incorporates two groves of mature old-growth trees along the shoreline.
Upper portions of Fintry contain stands of Interior Douglas-fir and Ponderosa Pine which are two of the province’s most threatened forest types. As such, Fintry contributes in a small but significant way to the provincial strategy of protecting representative ecosystems.
RECOMMENDATIONS iv
Highlights of the Fintry Park Management Plan include the following major recommendations:
Þ Protection of Special Features:
Through zoning, the plan proposes that the Manor House, the Octagonal Barn, and irrigation works in the Shorts Creek canyon be protected as Heritage Features in a Special Feature Zone.
Further, it proposes that lower Shorts Creek and part of the Okanagan Lake shore be protected as Natural Conservation Areas.
Þ Support of Partnerships:
A Friends of Fintry Society is proposed to lend support to the management of heritage features. Community groups will work as partners through Friends of Fintry, to undertake interpretive activities and to contribute to fundraising activities. The objectives include opening the Manor House and Octagonal Barn to members of the public.
Þ Development of Campgrounds, Day Use and other Recreation Facilities:
Through zoning, the plan proposes that the north side of Fintry Delta be developed for Intensive Recreation uses, including vehicle and boat camping. A group campground and a new full service campground is proposed for development in the near future.
Day use activities are proposed with a focus around swimming beaches, boating activities and appreciation of the historic buildings. Development includes a new day use area and swimming beach in the vicinity of the former Packing House.
A system of walking, horseback riding and cycling trails with viewpoints is proposed, together with interpretive activities throughout the park site.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
BC Parks appreciates and acknowledges the input of many individuals and organizations who contributed to the Fintry Park Management Plan. The plan was prepared by consulting planners, Hartley and Associates, with historic analysis by Griggs Tassie & Associates. Mapping was compiled by Reid Crowther & Partners Ltd. Development opportunities and analysis was reviewed by Al Harrison, former Administrator for the Regional District of Central Okanagan.
Plan recommendations were prepared in consultation with BC Parks Okanagan District staff, and with officials from BC Environment Okanagan Region, provincial Public Health officers, Ministry of Transportation and Highways regional managers, the provincial Archaeological Branch, and the Heritage Conservation Branch. The plan has been received by Regional District of Central Okanagan Board of Directors and reviewed by the Regional District Parks
v Advisory Committee. The Okanagan Indian Band has been provided with site analysis and recommendations throughout the planning process.
During plan preparation many community members provided input and comment. The following community agencies provided particular assistance in assessing park development opportunities:
Central Okanagan Regional District Parks Department and Parks Advisory Committee Fintry Delta Neighborhood Association North Westside Ratepayers Association Westside Road Historical Society Kelowna Yacht Club Backcountry Horsemen of B.C. Kelowna Fish & Game Club North Okanagan Naturalist Club Central Okanagan Naturalist Club Central Okanagan Heritage Society North Okanagan Heritage Society Okanagan Historical Society, Vernon & Kelowna branches.
vi SECTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 OVERVIEW
Fintry Park is a newly acquired “Class A” provincial park site located on the west side of Okanagan Lake. The park site is comprised of 360 hectares of the former Fintry Estate which was purchased in December, 1995 through co-operative efforts by the Province of British Columbia and the Regional District of Central Okanagan. The purchase of Fintry Park secured for public use 1920 metres (6300 lineal feet) of continuous shoreline access along Okanagan Lake.
BC Parks initiated the following strategic level Management Plan in order to set long-term direction for development and management of Fintry Park. For planning purposes, “park” refers to both the provincial and regional district owned lands. The following plan provides direction to the park’s conservation, recreation and cultural heritage roles. From there, it provides guidelines for future use, development, and management strategies. All of the roles are considered individually and collectively, recognizing that together they offer an opportunity for a broad and fulfilling experience.
The following is contained within sections of the Fintry Park Management Plan:
1. Compilation of a reference base for future decision making and park inquiries (Section 2); 2. Description of a vision for the park’s long term future and general objectives within that vision. (Section 3); 3. Application of zoning that identifies conservation areas and that provides guidance for future development and use within the park (Section 4); 4. Articulation of the parks conservation, recreation and cultural heritage roles within the provincial park system (Sections 5, 6 &7); 5. Agreement to key management objectives and strategies that guide management during the life of the plan (Sections 5, 6 & 7); and, 6. Description of future communication and implementation strategies (Sections 8 & 9).
It is anticipated that this Management Plan will enable all groups with an interest in Fintry Park to collaborate in efforts, to achieve a common vision for Fintry Park, and to create the partnerships necessary to make that vision a reality.
1.2 THE MANAGEMENT PLANNING PROCESS
Provincial Park Management Plans are intended to set goals and objectives which enable BC Parks to achieve an overall conservation, heritage and recreation balance. Management and development recommendations included in the Fintry Park Management Plan reflect conclusions reached by BC Parks after consultation with members of the public and with input from a variety of community and regional agencies. Specific groups which contributed to the plan include the
1 Regional District of Central Okanagan, and members of the Okanagan Indian Band, neighboring resident associations, and community non-profit conservation, recreation and heritage organizations.
1.3 RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER LAND USE PLANS
Fintry Park Management Plan was prepared in consultation with Regional District of Central Okanagan which recently completed a Westside Road Parks Preplan and an update of the Westside Road Official Community Plan. Other land use plans and policies in effect within the region include an Okanagan Lake Foreshore Plan (applicable to the Central Okanagan Region), an Okanagan Lake Action Plan which focuses on the recovery of kokanee fish stocks and their spawning habitat (a BC Environment plan), and the Regional District Zoning bylaw.
While these plans do not necessarily govern actions at Fintry Park, they provided a context for park planning and were considered in the evaluation of development opportunities.
The Management Plan is also prepared at a time when provincial agencies are considering the “Chapperon/Shorts Creek Area of Interest” as a possible provincial conservation area west of Fintry Park. This Management Plan is not intended to provide direction to decisions respecting Chapperon/Shorts Creek.
2 FIGURE 1: Location Plan
3 FIGURE 2: Site Map
4 SECTION 2.0 BACKGROUND AND SITE DESCRIPTION
2.1 LOCATION
Fintry Park is situated on the western shore of Okanagan Lake, at Shorts Creek. Travel distance from major centers is as follows: 34 km. north of Kelowna, via Westside Road (50 minutes drive); 49 km. south and west of Vernon, circling the head of Okanagan Lake via Westside Road; 6 km across Okanagan Lake from Ellison Provincial Park; 6 km across Okanagan Lake from Kopje Regional District Park in Lake Country (Carrs Landing); 14 km (15 minutes drive) north of Lake Okanagan Resort (200 accommodation units, 32 slip marina); and, 26 km (30 minutes drive) north of Bear Creek Provincial Park on Westside Road
2.2 LAKE AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
Okanagan Lake is approximately four kilometers wide at Fintry delta, and 191 meters deep at midlake. The north side of the delta is somewhat protected from predominant southern summer winds. Water temperatures at Fintry shoreline on July 1 are typically below or at 20 degrees Celsius. Winter ice is periodic along the shoreline and reportedly not a problem for docks in this location.
2.3 SITE TOPOGRAPHY
Fintry Park extends along the banks of Shorts Creek from lake level at 345 meters elevation, through the flat Fintry delta lands, then up the steep western slopes above Westside Road to an elevation of 675 meters. The delta lands which are approximately 77 hectares in size, offer prime campground development opportunity, and have in the past been extensively used for agricultural purposes. The upland slopes have been selectively logged and traversed by roads and trails, but otherwise remain relatively untouched.
2.4 LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS
Fintry Park is comprised of four legal parcels detailed below. On April 30, 1996 the three eastern parcels (excluding the “Bailey Lease Lot”) were dedicated as a Class A Provincial Park. The fourth, higher elevation and westernmost parcel was acquired by the Regional District.
5 Legal Description Abbreviated Title & Total Area in ownership Hectares (Acres) 1. Parcel Identifier No. 006-183-573. District Lot D.L. 2921 129.50 (320.00) 2921, Osoyoos Division Yale District. Regional District of Central Okanagan
2. Parcel Identifier No. 006-164-676. That Part of Rem. of Pl. B4484 11.31 (27.95) District Lot 686 on Plan B4484, Osoyoos Division Province of B.C. Yale District, except Plan 37552.
3. Parcel Identifier No. 006-164 -846. District Lot Rem. D.L. 686 94.42 (233.30) 686, Osoyoos Division Yale District except: Province of B.C. Plans B4484 and B7894; Plans 15329 and 18481; Plans 37552 and KAP49878.
4. Parcel Identifier No. 006-164-994. District Lot Rem. D.L. 2920 124.53 (307.70) 2920, Osoyoos Division Yale District except: Province of B.C. Parcel A (21581F); Plan B7960; Plans 16594 and 18915
Totals: 359.76 ha. (888.95 acres) Source: Kent-MacPherson Appraisals. No deductions have been made for the creek, Bailey lease lot or Section 4 roads.
2.5 PARK AGREEMENTS AND TENURES
There are a number of land and resource tenures, in addition to a contribution agreement, which predate the establishment of Fintry Park. Those which were considered during the planning process are briefly described in the following.
Contribution agreement and Section 215 covenant: At the time of park purchase, an agreement was reached between the Province of British Columbia and the Regional District of Central Okanagan, which outlined financial contributions to the park purchase and which included a covenant governing future development. Financial contributions came from the province and the regional district including contributions from City of Kelowna, District Municipality of Lake Country, District of Peachland and three Electoral Areas.
The agreement in part contains the following: · Signage will be posted upon request, to acknowledge the contribution of Central Okanagan Regional District to the acquisition of the park; · BC Parks will use its best efforts to develop a campground and day use facility at Fintry by January 1, 2001, and will consult with the Regional District in developing a park master plan; · BC Parks will not undertake alteration to the natural state of D.L. 2921 without prior written
6 approval of the Regional District, will use existing trails and disturbed portions of the land wherever possible, and will consult with First Nations, interested citizens and community organizations concerning works which alter the natural state of the land; and, · The province will manage, administer, maintain and develop D.L. 2921 as a park, at its own cost. Uses may include a campground, day use facility, trail network, and other uses compatible with these main uses.
Water, roads and utilities: Water licenses are in place on both Shorts Creek and Okanagan Lake, as outlined in Section 5.7 of this plan. Roads through the park site include a mix of public roads, easements, Section 4 roads and internal park roads. Details are contained in Section 6.8 of this plan.
Other tenures include the following: · The Gatekeepers House is connected to Fintry Utility, a licensed water system serving homes on the south side of Fintry Delta. Water to the campground and Manor House is supplied by a well constructed in 1996. The former domestic and irrigation water line from Okanagan Lake (with submersible pump situated at the end of the wharf) is being used exclusively for irrigation. · BC Telephone and BC Hydro service are connected to the existing campground / Manor House and to the Gatekeepers House. Hydro lines extend through Fintry Park to serve neighboring lands. · A Canada Water Survey Station is located within Fintry Park adjacent to a pedestrian bridge upstream of Westside Road.
Foreshore Tenures: · At the time of park purchase, an aquatic lease for Water Lot 567 comprising 2.57 acres (1.04 ha.), referred to as lease No. 333433, file No. 0280907, existed for the purpose of “a commercial operation including boat gas sales, a general store and temporary moorage excluding the moorage of houseboats.” Two aquatic licenses Nos. 335942 and 336094 covered docks and floats located on the north side of the delta. Both licenses commenced June 1994 for a period of 10 years. · A boat wharf is situated northeast of the Manor House. Two other wharves, a private boat launch and boat fuel storage tanks were removed following park purchase for safety and environmental reasons. · A navigational light is situated outside of the park at Shorts Point (Federal Reserve designation).
Mineral claims: Two mineral claims previously staked over D.L. 2921 (Meteor 2 and Gateway 2) are expired. Under the Mineral Tenure Act, no further claims or exploration will occur within the park without consent.
Agricultural Land Reserve:
7 The park site was released from provincial Agricultural Land Reserve on January 10, 1997.
Bailey lease - Land outside of park boundary: The residence and underlying 1.195 ha. (2.95 acre) waterfront site known as the “Bailey Lease Lot” (Plan 37555) are under 25 year lease to Mr. and Mrs. Bailey expiring January 1, 2012. The property is in the hands of BC Lands for the course of the lease, after which it will be added to the park. The site is accompanied by a 20 ft. wide access easement from the end of Shorts Road with a crossing over Shorts Creek.
8 FIGURE 3: Place Names Map
9 2.6 BUILDINGS AND LANDMARKS
At time of park purchase, Fintry consisted of numerous structures including occupied dwellings, storage barns, and private campground facilities. Landmark buildings which are referenced throughout the plan include the Fintry Manor House, octagonal dairy barn, other farm buildings, Gatekeepers House and Packing House all of which are located on Fintry Delta (refer to the Place Names map).
After purchase, BC Parks established a 50 unit campground in the area of the former 80 unit camping site, situated within a grove of mature ponderosa pine/Douglas-fir. Facilities include a shower house (4 showers, 5 toilets, 6 sinks), gravel roads, telephone, four outside toilets, and a playground including teeter-totter and horseshoe pitch. The campground now operates from May 15 to September 30, with peak season from June 23 to August 31. 4,057 campers were registered in the 1996 season, and the campground is operated at no net cost to the Province.
The Fintry Manor House, Gatekeepers House, farm buildings including the octagonal barn, and the former Packing House remain largely intact. The buildings are not open to members of the public but are being maintained pending management direction (refer to Section 7 and Appendices A & B of this plan). The Manor House and Gatekeepers House are each occupied by volunteer caretakers for security. Other buildings are boarded up and access is prohibited by signage.
In the past, Fintry was promoted by its private owners as a regional destination site for boaters, day visitors, and recreation property purchasers. As a result, many residents of the Okanagan are familiar with the heritage of Fintry, and have expressed an interest in restoring many of the buildings, recreation amenities, marine facilities and agricultural workings at Fintry. To date, BC Parks has focused on securing the site and its buildings.
A constructed staircase, boardwalk and viewing platform was developed in the Fall of 1997 along the north side of Shorts Creek canyon to the former “Chalet” site, (a point halfway up the slope between the barns and Westside Road). Parking areas and signage direct visitors to many of the attractions visible on the delta.
2.7 REGIONAL CONTEXT
Fintry is located at the midpoint of Westside Road which serves a corridor of rural development lands situated between Okanagan Lake and upland provincial forest. There are 1,794 legal subdivided properties within the Westside Road Official Community Plan area extending from Bear Creek (Traders Cove) to Killiney Beach. The predominant pattern is half acre country residential development, with settlement areas at 7,000 sq. ft. residential lot sizes. Many of the lots have yet to be built upon, but are held as future housing sites. Population in the Westside Road plan area now stands at 2,400 residents.
10
The following development enclaves abut or are in the immediate vicinity of Fintry Park.
Fintry Delta South: · A 117 lot residential subdivision is situated on the southern portion of Fintry Delta. Approximately 35 homes are built, half of the dwellings are summer and weekend residences, half are occupied year round.
Ridgeview: · A 480 parcel subdivision is under construction and intended for mobile homes. (District Lots 3849 & 3850 at Westside Road, south of Fintry). · A 100 slip private moorage facility is proposed on the lakeshore.
DunWaters Subdivision (Upper Fintry): · A 185 lot subdivision abuts the southern boundary of Fintry Park, uphill from Westside Road (District Lot 2920). · Roads through the subdivision provide access to a Ministry of Transportation and Highways gravel pit situated south of Shorts Creek.
Shalal Road: · A 14 lot residential subdivision is encircled by Fintry Park along Shalal Road at Westside Road. · Shalal Road leads to a private easement road through Fintry Park, providing access to properties further upstream on Shorts Creek.
Valley of the Sun Subdivision (Firwood Road): · A 100+ residential lot subdivision is centered on Wood and Attenborough Roads, at the northern edge of the park site. · A rezoning application on District Lot 2923 is being considered to permit a 13 parcel subdivision on seven existing lots located east of Westside Road, north of the park boundary. · A Land Use Contract (LUC 249) is in effect which would allow a lodge and 150 unit campsite resort to be built adjacent to the park’s northern boundary. · Sites are designated within Valley of the Sun to provide for future community parks, a regional trail staging area, and a future community complex. · Roads within the subdivision provide access to six private gravel pit sites and to Tree Farm License 49A which is situated within Provincial Forest land abutting the park’s western boundary.
Attenborough Road: · Attenborough Road provides public access through Fintry Park from Valley of the Sun to upland private properties and to Crown Lands. The last upland parcel is owned by Nature Trust and leased to BC Environment, Wildlife Branch, for Bighorn Sheep winter range. · Attenborough Road provides access to a private gravel pit within District Lots 4023 and 4690, and possible alternate access to Tree Farm License 49A.
11
2.8 POPULATION
Population growth in the area is anticipated to continue at an average 1.9 % increase per year. This will result in a total projected population of 268,700 in the North and Central Okanagan regions by the year 2006 and a total of 326,300 by the year 2020 (Source: Population Projections from Ministry of Finance, adjusted P.E.O.P.L.E 1993 projections).
12 2.9 NEIGHBORING PARK, TOURIST AND MARINA SITES
It is important to understand Fintry Park in context with other parks, and with existing and proposed resort, heritage and marine sites in the area.
Existing resort facilities on Westside Road include Lake Okanagan Resort (lodge, golf and tennis courts, conference center, & marina). Two recreational vehicle developments are under construction south of Fintry at Ridgeview and at Cinnabar. There are two other resort proposals close to Fintry at Caesars Landing and in Valley of the Sun. These last two proposals and other development proposals in the area are from the 1970’s and have shown little recent activity.
Nearby heritage sites include O’Keefe Ranch at the head of Okanagan Lake and Benvoulin Village in Kelowna. The Orchard Museum, and museums in Kelowna and Vernon include records of early settlement history, including some artifacts from Fintry. Sen’Klip Native Theater performs and operates group cultural tours from its base on the Okanagan Indian Reserve north of Fintry.
Boat rentals on Okanagan Lake are situated in Vernon, Kelowna, Westbank and Penticton. Houseboat rentals are situated at Kelowna and Penticton. Moorage facilities are proposed at Ridgeview (private moorage), at Cinnabar, and at Caesars Landing (possible marina). Among the touring boats on Okanagan Lake is the Fintry Queen which operates summer day trips departing from Kelowna.
Neighboring parks include Ellison Provincial Park located on the east side of Okanagan Lake, and Bear Creek Provincial Park situated south of Fintry on the west side of the lake. Regional District of Central Okanagan operates Kopje Regional Park at Carrs Landing, south of Ellison. Other conservation areas include a protected bird sanctuary at Grants Island (a.k.a. Whiskey Island) located offshore from Kopje Regional Park.
13 FIGURE 4: Resorts and Boating Services
14 SECTION 3.0 ROLE OF THE PARK
Fintry Park is a recent addition to the provincial park system, acquired for its significant outdoor recreation and shoreline conservation values. Its conservation and recreation roles are strengthened by the varied landscape and habitat types contained within the park. Park experiences are further enhanced by the presence of historic features on site. Fintry is viewed as potentially the most significant provincial park in the Okanagan, as many of the region’s most significant attributes are represented at Fintry.
3.1 SIGNIFICANCE IN THE PROTECTED AREA SYSTEM
In the BC Parks system, Fintry was a high profile and strategic acquisition. The Okanagan is one of the province’s most rapidly growing regions, and Fintry provided one of few remaining opportunities for shoreline park acquisition. Fintry Park contributed to the province’s Protected Area system as follows:
Significance for conservation: · Fintry represents a small but functional segment of Ponderosa Pine forest which only has about 2-3% representation in provincial protected areas. This is one of the most threatened forest types because of urban growth and resource development activities, and is very sensitive to disturbance. · Fintry represents a small but functional segment of dry Interior Douglas-fir forest which has approximately 4% representation in protected areas. · The park includes low elevation habitat which is critical for rare and endangered species, most of which are found in the bunchgrass, ponderosa pine and interior Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic subzones. Fintry incorporates a variety of important habitat types including relatively undisturbed riparian areas, floodplains and grassland forest openings. · The site is centrally located in an area which has winter range capability for California Bighorn Sheep. The population is threatened (provincially “blue-listed”) and is seen as regionally significant because the majority of the North American population is found in the Thompson, Okanagan and Cariboo regions of B.C. Sheep were present in the area until five years ago. · Fintry offers protection of shoreline and creek spawning beds for kokanee and trout. BC Environment and the Habitat Conservation Trust have initiated strong conservation measures for kokanee stocks, due to spawning runs having declined to only 5-10 % of levels seen in the 1970’s.
Significance for tourism and outdoor recreation: · Fintry Park provides easy public access along Okanagan Lake, a large warm water destination lake with high user demand. Fintry offers 1920 meters of shoreline, most of which is a weed free beach with gradual drop off.
15 · The site is situated in proximity to major tourist travel routes in the Okanagan region, including Highways 97, 97A and 97C. · Fintry Park supports Bear Creek Provincial Park, a similar site on Westside Road. This park is often at capacity during peak tourist season. · Fintry has suitability for tent and trailer camping, boat camping, water sports, day use and interpretation activities in a natural environment relatively close to urban populations. · The park site offers a varied landscape including forested hillsides, rock cliffs, the creek, and open views over Okanagan Lake. · Special features of the site include Shorts Creek canyon with natural pools and waterfalls providing a spectacular natural attraction. · Potential tourism opportunities include recreation boating and fishing, marine tours and activities, historic interpretation, hiking, and possibly horse riding and mountain cycling.
Significance for cultural heritage: · Fintry Park provides visual reminders and appreciation of at least three regionally significant themes. First Nation values include historic trails and trade route(s) which traverse the site. The first Eurocanadian settler, Thomas D. Shorts was a pioneer steamboat captain who established a fleet of freight boats on Okanagan Lake. The third and most visible theme is that of Fintry Estate which exemplifies the agricultural and settlement history of the Okanagan. · Historic structures contained within the park include several rare and unique features from the Fintry Estate, including the Manor House made of quarried stones, the octagonal dairy barn, the Packing House situated on the lakeshore, and remnants of a hydro power generating station.
3.2 SIGNIFICANCE IN THE OKANAGAN REGION
Fintry Park is seen as a valuable contribution to the Okanagan, fulfilling recreation and conservation needs for the future. Fintry Park provides exceptional high quality delta lands for family recreation; an array of natural and cultural features including Shorts Creek Canyon and the Manor House; and one of the finest beaches on Okanagan Lake. As a destination site, it provides camping and lakeshore recreation experiences in a near-urban setting.
The park’s role will develop in concert with other provincial and major regional parks in the area. Most significantly, Fintry provides additional campground opportunity on Okanagan Lake. The new campsites will support operations at Ellison, Bear Creek and Okanagan Lake Provincial Parks which are at capacity during peak seasons. Fintry Park adds group camping and boat camping opportunities to the Okanagan system. The park site contains a larger expanse of beach than found in other provincial parks within the region, and an ease of access to the shoreline for boaters and swimmers alike.
Fintry is well situated on Westside Road and complements the system of Regional District parks and Ministry of Forest recreation sites. Day use facilities will contribute to the region’s base for
16 future recreation opportunities as the population grows within the Westside and Central Okanagan region. There is opportunity to link park trail systems into larger trail networks planned on the Westside. Boating excursions to Fintry may bring daily visitors from neighboring sites including Ellison, Bear Creek and Kopje Parks, or from the urban centers of Kelowna and Vernon.
As a park site, Fintry appeals to a wide range of park users, including senior citizens, families on a day outing, boaters and backcountry wilderness groups. In the future, Fintry may offer cultural interpretation activities which complement heritage values at O’Keefe Ranch and at other regional sites. Fintry, with its past in the fruit industry and dairy operations and with its unique power generation and irrigation systems, is complemented by the ranching operations which are evident at O’Keefe Ranch.
The maritime heritage associated both with the Packing House and with Ferryboat Captain Thomas Shorts plays an important role in the history of marine travel throughout the Okanagan Valley.
From a conservation perspective, Fintry offers protection of shoreline habitat and low elevation forest which is threatened throughout the region by urban development. If the uplands remain undeveloped, they will protect a natural environment rising from valley floor to mid elevation forest types. At Fintry, there is opportunity to complement habitat conservation values now found only at Kalamalka Lake and Okanagan Mountain Provincial Parks. Each of the three parks offer significant forest cover and undisturbed habitat for a range of low elevation plant and animal species.
3.3 SIGNIFICANCE TO FIRST NATIONS
Okanagan Indian Band and Westbank First Nations have both stated interests in the area of Shorts Creek and Terrace Mountain. It is likely that traditional use trails crossed Fintry Park and that summer fishing camps were located at the mouth of Shorts Creek.
The park’s archaeological significance to First Nations is not well known, due to the absence of detailed archaeological study. Some archaeological findings are recorded, and further investigation is required.
The area of Fintry delta close to Shorts Creek may have value as a First Nations Traditional Use Site. More information is needed on possible hunting and fishing use, as well as traditional plants which had medicinal and construction material use.
17 3.4 VISION STATEMENT
“Provincial parks are designated and managed to preserve special places of natural beauty and historic value which are of lasting importance to the Province of British Columbia for the inspiration, recreation use and enjoyment of the public”. (Source: BC Parks, Park Act)
Looking ahead 50 years, Fintry Park may remain as one of few natural areas fronting Okanagan Lake. With almost two kilometers of shoreline, Fintry will play an increasingly important role in the conservation and recreation amenities of Okanagan Valley.
Fintry will draw visitors from the local area, attracted both to the beaches and to the historic ambiance represented by Fintry Manor House and Estate. Cooperation with the Regional District of Central Okanagan, neighboring residents, and First Nations Communities will result in Fintry becoming an important component within the regional recreation system including trails, boating services, picnic areas and viewpoints. The spectacular waterfalls of Shorts Creek together with potential activities at the Manor House and barns will form focal points for day trips and tours.
Out of province visitors will find Fintry a convenient base for camping and holidays. There will be a choice of activities on the lake, day trips into the surrounding urban areas or into backcountry regions, and simple enjoyment of the park grounds and amenities.
Fintry Park will play an important role in developing public awareness and appreciation for conservation and natural processes. The upland slopes will be maintained as natural woodlands, providing representation of the increasingly rare ponderosa pine and interior Douglas-fir forests. Fintry will remain as one of few remaining valley bottom habitats for many regional species including winter range for deer and a possible reestablished herd of California Bighorn sheep.
BC Parks and the Regional District of Central Okanagan will work together and in concert with the surrounding community to preserve Fintry as special place of natural beauty and historic value. Within this vision, Fintry Park will remain for the inspiration, use and enjoyment of the public.
18 SECTION 4.0 PARK ZONING
Zoning is a planning tool that enables a balance of recreation, conservation and heritage values to be maintained within Fintry Park. Zoning objectives and terminology have been developed in a consistent manner across all provincial parks. Based on Fintry Park’s natural landscape and attributes and the overall park vision and objectives, the park site is divided into four zones as shown on the enclosed Zoning Map.
The following zoning designations provide general guidelines for management and development, recognizing the important conservation values of Fintry Park from which all management decisions will follow:
4.1 SPECIAL FEATURE ZONE - NATURAL CONSERVATION
A small wetland area located south of the Packing House, a portion of the lakeshore, and the Shorts Creek corridor below Westside Road (including the canyon) are designated Special Feature Zone - Natural Conservation Areas. Notable features within the zone include a large eagle’s nest, cottonwood trees, several wildlife trees, the canyon walls and Shorts Creek waterfall and kokanee spawning grounds.
The objective of the Natural Conservation Area is protect significant natural resources, features or processes because of their rare or threatened significance. In the case of Fintry, this zone will cover valley bottom riparian environments which are most threatened due to urban and private land developments within the Okanagan region. The zone provides opportunity to restore a functional wildlife corridor through Fintry Delta between Okanagan Lake and the upland forest.
In order to protect the conservation values, it is desirable that no facility development or modification of natural processes occur within the zone unless to improve or to protect sensitive habitat. Uses which are appropriate may include nature appreciation, non-motorized trail use, scientific study and habitat protection.
19 FIGURE 5: Zoning Plan
24 4.2 SPECIAL FEATURE ZONE - HERITAGE FEATURES
Two areas are designated as Special Feature zone for conservation of heritage features. The first is centered around Fintry Manor House and garden. The second area consists of the barns and remnants of power generation and irrigation systems are contained within the Shorts Creek canyon. The canyon area itself has a dual zoning designation, as a natural conservation area and as a heritage zone.
The objective of the Special Features - Heritage Zone is to protect and present significant cultural resources, features or processes because of their special character, fragility and heritage value. In the case of Fintry, the protected heritage features represent a Turn of the Century period of development. During this period, initial investments in agriculture, irrigation systems, and community amenities resulted in a pattern of development that until recently was common throughout the Okanagan Valley.
In order to interpret the heritage values and to allow public access, it will be desirable to adapt the buildings and other structures to new uses. Visitor revenue generating activities will be encouraged if they add to the park experience and enhance the historical themes. The canyon area will be fenced to permit viewing and appreciation of natural and cultural heritage features without creating a safety hazard or compromising conservation values.
4.3 INTENSIVE RECREATION ZONE
The northern portion of Fintry Delta and over half of the lakeshore is designated as an Intensive Recreation Zone. The area has been extensively farmed in the past, and has less conservation value than other parts of the park. The delta is easily serviced and the flat terrain is ideal for a variety of recreation uses, from rollerblading on paved trails to camping and picnicking. Notable features include fine sand and gravel beaches and groves of mature trees fronting the shoreline.
The management objective of the Intensive Recreation Zone is to provide for a variety of high- use, readily accessible, facility-oriented outdoor recreation activities. A number of such uses have been examined, with the objective of drawing visitors to Fintry and generating revenues and activities which complement the heritage and landscape features of Fintry.
Uses proposed within the Intensive Recreation zone include new campgrounds, play areas, trails, boat launch and moorage, concession, picnicking tables and shelters, and associated parking areas.
4.4 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT ZONE
21
Most of Fintry Park will be managed as a Natural Environment Zone, including the sloping forested upland areas of the park, and southern portions of the delta.
The management objective of the Natural Environment Zone is to provide for a variety of easily accessible off-road outdoor recreation activities in a largely undisturbed natural environment. At Fintry, the intent will be to encourage a range of non-motorized trail uses and to encourage recreation activities which aid in the interpretation of heritage and conservation themes within the park. This area will continue to function as part of an important wildlife corridor and range for a number of species. The forest will be managed to allow for natural processes and to protect representative types of forest.
Facilities within the Natural Environment zone will include trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, viewing platforms and interpretive signage.
22 SECTION 5.0 NATURAL VALUES AND MANAGEMENT
5.1 INTRODUCTION
Fintry Park Site typifies low elevation lands, shoreline and western slopes of the Okanagan Valley. Fintry is situated on a Quaternary fluvial delta and a steep mountain slope with exposures of bedrock. Landward of the delta, Shorts Creek has cut a spectacular, vertical-sided canyon up to 60-70 meters deep through Mesozoic granite and granodiorite.
The delta sediments vary from one location to another even over short distances. The surface sediments range from fine silty sands to coarse gravel and below 2 meters are generally sandy- gravelly with some silts. Generally, the frequency of fine sediments increases towards the lake shore, and the mouth of Shorts Creek, but gravelly coarse sand and cobbles are found on the beaches.
The delta land has been cleared of most of the natural vegetation for agricultural use, with the exception of two groves of old-growth conifer trees situated at the existing campground and east of the Manor House. Hay fields dominate the delta, and riparian vegetation is found along the creek and lakeshore. Remnants of a former orchard includes 130 trees south of the Manor House.
The landward half of the property is vegetated with more or less open mature ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir forest. Selective logging has occurred throughout the park’s forested slopes.
Spawning beds for kokanee are present in lower Shorts Creek and along the lakeshore north of the existing campground. Creek erosion and flooding through the delta is an issue of concern to neighboring property owners.
Fintry is an important low elevation component of a functioning wildlife corridor from Okanagan Lake through forested slopes to Terrace Mountain and the upper reaches of Shorts Creek. The park site is class one winter range for deer and potentially critical range for other ungulates including California Bighorn sheep. The range of landscape and habitat features at Fintry provide for a diversity of natural wildlife.
23 FIGURE 6: Natural Features
20 5.2 KEY CONSERVATION VALUES
The management objectives of Fintry Park include conservation and protection of key conservation values. These may be summarized as follows:
· Protection of the site in a natural state, and representation of forest ecosystems. Fintry captures a small but functioning area of two forest types, interior Douglas-fir (IDFxh1) and Ponderosa Pine which are under-represented within the provincial parks system.
Protection of the site in a natural state will protect the habitat and wildlife corridors of several important species noted in the following sections.
· Retention of an undeveloped shoreline and fish spawning grounds. Kokanee is a regionally significant species with a dramatic decline in numbers. Shore spawning has been observed along northern reaches of the park shoreline and creek spawning is present in Shorts Creek below the waterfall.
The lakeshore includes a modified but substantial wetland community with bulrushes south of Packing House. The banks of Shorts Creek are relatively undisturbed with riparian vegetation including cottonwoods. Such wetlands and riparian vegetation are increasingly rare within the Okanagan Valley.
· Recognition of special natural features. Within the Regional District, Shorts Creek has been identified as an important natural feature. Fintry protects 2800 meters of Shorts Creek including an outstanding waterfall, deep canyon and meandering channel through the delta.
· Protection of rare, endangered or sensitive plant communities. Groves of old-growth trees in the existing campground and east of the Manor House represent the mature forest vegetation which is rapidly disappearing in the Okanagan Valley due to land development.
It is intended that the above values will be protected through specific conservation management objectives and actions outlined below.
5.3 VEGETATION
Considerations:
· As a park site, Fintry offers opportunity to protect low elevation plant and forest types which are threatened by land development patterns in the Okanagan Valley. First priority should be given to protect existing mature vegetation which remains on the delta, most notably the groves of old-growth trees, the wetlands and wildlife trees, and the riparian vegetation along Shorts Creek. · Shorts Creek vegetation plays an important role in the stabilization of creek banks, the
25 shading of spawning grounds, and the provision of food and habitat for fish, birds, insects and other wildlife which frequent the shoreline. · Several species of rare and endangered plants have been inventoried on the delta. The cottonwoods represent a “red listed” rare plant community within the province. There has been no formal plant inventory of the forested slopes. · The extent of medicinal plants is unknown but may be of importance to First Nations communities in the region. · Control of non-native plant species is required due to the amount of previous site disturbance and the proximity to neighboring residential enclaves. Management of noxious weeks is required on an ongoing basis. · Ministry of Agriculture Sterile Insect Release Program requirements are imminent in the orchard. This program is in place throughout the southern and central Okanagan to control fruit tree pests. (See recommended action to remove the orchard, in the Wildlife Section)
Objectives:
To establish and protect a natural forested landscape and remnant ecosystem on the shores of Okanagan Lake. This will include allowing natural shoreline vegetation to become established between the Packing House and Shorts Creek, protecting the small wetland south of the Packing House, and keeping human activity away from wildlife trees.
To restore shoreline vegetation and reestablish Shorts Creek as a functioning wildlife corridor.
To protect creek banks from further erosion and to restore kokanee spawning grounds.
To protect remnants of low elevation ecosystems which may include the habitat of rare and endangered plant and animal species.
To protect the forest ecosystems which remain relatively undisturbed on the upper slopes.
To discourage, where possible, the establishment of non-native species. (See recommendations below and further recommendations in the Wildlife and Forest Health Sections).
Actions:
Þ Manage the Special Feature - Natural Conservation and the Natural Environment zones in a manner that protects vegetation, wildlife and habitat values as a first priority. Þ Control public activity and protect native vegetation within the wetland area south of Packing House and along the banks of Shorts Creek throughout the delta. For example, recreational trails will be kept a distance 15 meters or more away from creek banks in the delta and upstream of Westside Road. Walking paths, viewpoints to the creek and sitting areas at the creek will be provided where the banks are most stable. Species of
26 native vegetation which is “unfriendly” to hikers will be planted at strategic locations to encourage users to stay on the established trail system. A pathway to Shorts Point will be situated on the beach, thereby avoiding the small wetland area south of the Packing House. Þ Focus public activity in areas such as the north half of the delta where the natural environment has been disturbed in the past, and along existing trails, in order to minimize disturbance to native vegetation and wildlife habitat. Þ Retain the groves of old-growth trees where the present campground is located. Conduct a Wildlife/Danger Tree Assessment. (Note concerns detailed in Section 6.6) Þ Undertake a botanical survey(s) to identify plants of medicinal value to First Nations, and to identify rare and endangered plant species in the park’s uphill sections.
27 5.4 FISH AND WILDLIFE
Considerations:
· Shorts Creek below the waterfall offers important fish spawning grounds for kokanee and for trout. There is a strong conservation concern for kokanee on Okanagan Lake due to the spawning runs having declined to only five to 10% of the levels seen in the 1970’s. In Shorts Creek, kokanee surveys showed 315 spawners in 1986 and only 18 in 1991. Numbers are believed to vary depending on annual water levels in the creek and on the presence of a gravel berm or braiding at the mouth of the creek. · BC Environment and the Habitat Conservation Trust fund are now targeting efforts at restoring creek and shore spawning grounds throughout the Okanagan. The potential for Kokanee shore spawning is uncertain. At a BC Environment survey site # 57 located one kilometer north of Fintry, shore spawning inventory was 16,500 in 1988 and none in 1997. The greatest potential for shore spawning at Fintry Park is along undisturbed portions of the shoreline north of the delta. · For trout, Shorts Creek provides essential rearing habitat for the first two years of life. Rainbow trout and eastern brook trout were inventoried in Shorts Creek in September 1994, and spawning grounds are reportedly in good shape. The Okanagan Lake rainbow fishery relies on relatively few spawners, so it is desirable to maintain Shorts Creek spawning attributes. · There is history of black bear in the orchard and along the lower Shorts Creek. Interaction with humans is an autumn management issue which is being addressed through a Bear Management Strategy. Due to the proximity of the orchard to the existing and proposed campgrounds, and due to the pending Sterile Insect Release Program requirements, it is advised that the existing orchard be removed. · Fintry was important within the historic range of California Bighorn sheep. The sheep are a provincially blue-listed species and are regionally significant in the Okanagan Valley. Fintry may still be important winter range in severe winter conditions but the sheep have not been observed in the last five years. BC Environment is examining ways of restoring the population to the Westside area. Habitat improvements may include the opening of tree canopy in order to increase the amount of grassland forage. · Fintry has class one deer winter range. It is used extensively during severe winter conditions, and is one of few shoreline areas which will remain protected from private land development. · Bats are observed in the historic structures at Fintry, entering attic spaces through holes and other crevices. Bat houses are being installed within the park site as replacement habitat. · There are numerous species of interest to recreational hunting in the area, including moose, bear, coyote, white-tail and mule deer. · An eagle nest is situated south of the Packing House, within a wildlife tree on the edge of the small wetland. · There is potential for a Canada Goose management problem, particularly in day use and other grassed areas after development. BC Parks participates in a regional management strategy and is evaluating landscape alternatives to planted lawns. By allowing bushes and other
28 predator cover, the park may avoid a future goose problem. · A history of beaver activity in Shorts Creek compounds concerns of flooding and bank erosion.
Objectives:
To protect species which occur naturally within the park.
To discourage some wildlife species which have extensive ranges throughout the region and which may pose safety or management concerns, such as bears and geese.
To provide public education and to accommodate species which are threatened by the loss of low elevation habitat, including bats, insects and reptiles.
To manage human activities in order to protect threatened fish and wildlife species such as kokanee.
Actions:
Þ Manage for or restrict public access along the banks of Shorts Creek and along the shore spawning grounds during periods of fish spawning. Þ Through a signage and information program, discourage motorized boat activity from the mouth of Shorts Creek and from the shoreline north of the delta during fish spawning times. Þ Prepare management guidelines for recreational fishing within the park. Þ Explore strategies to keep the mouth of Shorts Creek wet during the kokanee spawning season. Such strategies may include boosting instream flows (see water license actions) and/or installing instream structures to prevent deposition of gravel in the lowermost reaches of the creek. Þ Undertake a stream and riparian ecosystem survey to investigate historical occurrences and to recommend habitat conservation requirements. Þ Monitor water quality within Shorts Creek and along the lakefront. Remind boaters that Okanagan is designated as a “No Dumping” lake. Þ Consider installing boat sewage pump out facilities so as to discourage dumping. Þ Respect soil conditions and proximity to the lake in the design and siting of septic fields for the new campground. Þ Seek a 100 m (328 ft) wide foreshore addition to Fintry Park, to allow management of the foreshore as park land, with particular emphasis on conservation. Þ Protect wildlife trees and limit human activities in the vicinity of nesting sites, particularly the eagle nest. Þ Undertake wildlife surveys to include inventories of all species, and to identify habitat of red and blue listed species including insects, birds and mammals. Þ Allow for scientific research on low elevation species and habitat within the park site. Þ Remove the old orchard in order to discourage bear activity and to avoid fruit tree spraying
29 required by Sterile Insect Release program. Þ Develop a Bear Emergency Plan for the park. Þ Monitor for beaver activity along the delta and in Shorts Creek from canyon to upper reaches of the park. Develop a plan of action to respond when beavers dam Shorts Creek or when trees are affected in an area of unstable creek banks. Þ Consider potential involvement in BC Environment efforts to reestablish the Bighorn sheep population. Þ Monitor success of bat houses (to replace habitat formerly in roofs of old buildings). Þ Provide for future management of Canada Geese in the park. Þ Adapt park management as needed to respond when more inventory work is complete, and as new regional management efforts are put in place to protect endangered species.
5.5 IMPORTANT VIEWSCAPES
Views to and from Fintry Park are important components of the visitor experience and of the local community’s perception of the park.
Considerations:
· Fintry Park is an important feature within the landscape viewed from Okanagan Lake, from Lake Country (Carrs Landing) and from the Ellison area of Vernon. The park provides opportunity to remain a forested slope along the shoreline. · From Fintry, there are spectacular views across Okanagan Lake, eastward to Ellison ridge. · From the campground and beach area proposed at Fintry, there are good views of the park’s forested uplands, and of private properties north of the park. · Along Westside Road, there are a number of viewpoints over the delta to Okanagan Lake, and longer viewscapes north to Vernon.
Objectives:
To protect Fintry as a forested landscape seen from Okanagan Lake and neighboring lands.
To seek cooperation from local government authorities in considering the importance of views from Fintry Park.
Actions: Þ Allow natural shoreline vegetation including mature trees to become established within the proposed Special Feature - Natural Conservation Zones. Þ Maintain the forested view north and west from the campground and beach areas, particularly
30 the forested shoreline extending from the camping area to the park’s northern boundary. Þ Maintain the forested view from Westside Road, and from Okanagan Lake by protecting the forested slopes. Þ Encourage the City of Vernon and the District of Lake Country to consider the scenic value of the view from Fintry Park across Okanagan Lake to the Commonage/Barkley and Eastside Road neighborhoods.
5.6 FOREST HEALTH / FIRE INTERFACE
Considerations:
· Management for forest health may be required particularly on westerly portions of the site, where the park abuts a Tree Farm License. · Ministry of Forests has set the Wildfire Interface Hazard Rating at Moderate on the delta, and High at base of and along the slopes. All facility development and management at Fintry needs to recognize the potential for forest fire.
Objectives:
To manage the park site in accordance with natural forest processes, except where they pose a threat to park users, to neighboring residences or are deemed to have a severe detrimental effect on ecosystems adjacent to the park.
Actions:
Þ Review forest health (insect and disease) management prescriptions for the adjacent Tree Farm to ensure co-ordination and consistency with park conservation policies. Þ Design a fuel break along the western edge of the delta, and maintain fuel reduction activities on the delta. Þ Undertake fuel reduction activities along the slopes in order to avoid wildfire. Þ Undertake a detailed fire management plan, including fuel breaks at the time of new campground development. Þ Prepare and update fire response plans that can be implemented for Fintry Park, in cooperation with the North Westside Fire Protection District and Ministry of Forests.
31 5.7 WATER LICENSES
Fintry has six water licenses which were granted for irrigation and domestic purposes associated with the previous agricultural use and private development plans on District Lots 686 and 2920. Two licenses on Shorts Creek total 362 acre feet per annum, with one of the licenses providing capacity for 1,000 gallons per day for domestic use. Four licenses on Okanagan Lake add 521.5 acre feet per annum, with one license providing 500 gallons per day for domestic use.
Considerations : · Water license capacity may be greater than is required for future park needs, considering as well the groundwater supply now provided at Fintry. · Management of creek flows for spawning may require flow assessment and greater storage during the summer, for release during the low flow autumn period. · A future satellite fire and rescue station is under consideration along Westside Road. There may be a desire to permit filling of pumper trucks from Shorts Creek at Westside Road.
Objectives: To assess water requirements associated with future uses at Fintry, and to use existing licenses and groundwater sources in meeting these needs.
To cooperate with BC Environment officials in restoring creek flows for fish spawning.
To cooperate with neighboring communities in ensuring that fire suppression needs are met within the region.
Actions: Þ Assess water license requirements for future campground, visitor activity, fire suppression and irrigation needs. Þ Determine if water licenses on Okanagan Lake are required for long term needs. Þ Amend surplus domestic and irrigation water licenses on Shorts Creek to a Fisheries Conservation purpose. Participate in flow management measures to enhance the creek spawning potential.
32 SECTION 6.0 RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES AND MANAGEMENT
6.1 INTRODUCTION
Fintry Park is one of few remaining natural areas along the shore of Okanagan Lake. Visitors can enjoy two kilometers of natural shoreline and excellent swimming beaches only steps away from the campground area. Fintry is a site of quiet enjoyment, far from highway noise and urban character. Boaters can stop over for the day at Fintry, enroute from Kelowna or Vernon. Alternatively, they may launch their vessels from one of several boat launch sites in the vicinity.
Most park visitors appreciate the historical buildings and features which remain at Fintry and which provide reminders of the colorful development history throughout the Okanagan Valley.
Wildlife viewers may be treated to views of the many deer and waterfowl in the area. Trails from the park site take walkers and hikers into the spectacular waterfalls and natural pools of Shorts Creek canyon, and further uphill onto a network of former logging trails.
6.2 KEY RECREATION VALUES
The management objectives of Fintry include retaining the park as a place of outdoor recreation, education and enjoyment. The following summarizes the attributes which have been identified as key for recreation:
· Opportunity for provincial park campground development in a natural setting at or close to the lake. Fintry is located within one of the most popular recreation destination regions of the province, offers scenic views of the Okanagan Valley, and has ample areas for camping (tent and trailer camping, boat camping, for resident users and tourists).
· Protection of public access and opportunity for enhanced public use of the lakeshore. Of particular value is the beach area for sunbathing, swimming and recreational boating, with adjacent areas for picnicking and day use.
· Public use of the park site for outdoor recreation. There are many opportunities for walking, nature viewing, and bicycling. Day trip users may enjoy hiking along Shorts Creek to view the canyon and waterfalls, or may enjoy viewing the historic remnants and scenic views of Okanagan Lake. The park site provides important links within proposed regional hiking, horse riding and bicycling networks. In the future, it may become an important backcountry excursion starting point. (The demand for backcountry excursions will be dependent upon provincial decisions regarding future management in the Upper Shorts Creek / Chapperon “Area of Interest”).
33
· Visitor appreciation of and potential public use of the historically significant Manor House and Barns. Many opportunities exist for development in partnership with community heritage groups.
· Opportunity for development as a day trip boating destination point. Area residents and tourists boating on Okanagan Lake have in the past enjoyed Fintry as a destination point. The possibility of commercial tours depends on the level of market interest.
The above values and opportunities are further described within recreation and site planning objectives and actions outlined below.
6.3 OVERALL DEVELOPMENT SITING
The following factors were considered as guidelines in assessing development options at Fintry: · It is advisable to develop the site in accordance with provincial park management practices, including the type of facilities developed, accessibility and public safety standards, and low level of impact on the natural environment. · Visitor activities and facilities are best situated around the major areas of attraction including the waterfront and the “Turn of Century” buildings located on the north side of the delta. · Development should be at a scale cognizant of the wildlife conservation values of the surrounding Westside Road region, while at the same time meeting the needs of provincial and regional park users · Development should occur in a neighborly manner, recognizing that the site is situated in the midst of a rapidly developing region. The park should support the continued function of Westside Road as an expanding travel and service corridor. Siting and timing of visitor activities should respect the desire for privacy, security and quiet enjoyment of neighboring residential lots. · Much of the land is steeply sloping. The delta lands are less expensive to develop and provide easier access to campgrounds and other visitor use areas. · The lower banks of Shorts Creek eroded during spring runoff, 1997 and resulted in emergency measures along the southern banks to protect further erosion onto adjacent residential properties. There is evidence of Shorts Creek being a naturally meandering channel through the delta. The possibility of further erosion suggests that campground facilities should be avoided along the lower banks of Shorts Creek. · Fintry Park has many features and themes which attract a wide range of users, including seniors and children. With its proximity to two urban centers, Fintry Park should accommodate wheelchair access, strollers, bicycles and rollerblades in the design and construction of trails and facilities particularly those on the delta lands.
6.4 DAY USE OPPORTUNITIES
34 Considerations:
Park users are anticipated to include residents from neighboring communities who will require parking, boat moorage and other facilities in addition to those provided for overnight campground users. Both groups are anticipated to be attracted to two potential day use theme areas, one relating to the heritage buildings, the second focused on the beach and waterfront activities.
Through the zoning guidelines contained in Section Four of this plan, it is proposed that the north side of the delta will be developed for Intensive Recreation uses which will provide a focus for day use activities. Situated as they are, the Manor House and barns may be too far apart to provide one focal point. A swimming beach and day use area at the Packing House and activities at the Manor House may provide a more cohesive focal point, linked by boating activities along the waterfront.
Depending on future adaptive uses of the barns, a second focal point may be created around the barns and Shorts Creek canyon.
Further campground, waterfront activity and trail considerations are outlined below, while details of the heritage buildings and themes are contained in Section 7 of this plan.
Beach Considerations:
· Much of the natural shoreline is underwater during periods of high water, which includes the start of the peak summer season. Grading and cutting back of the upland will be required in order to create a sufficient sized beach area. · There are several considerations for locating major beach use areas. The beach in front of the present campground is coarse gravel and has no late afternoon sun. The finest sand beach is in vicinity of the Packing House. While most of the shoreline has a gradual drop off, there is a steeper drop off south of the Packing House. Considering all of these factors, the waterfront is planned so that boating use will be in front of the existing campground and a designated swimming beach will be in front of the Packing House. · The beach is weed free now, however there needs to be caution for introduction of Eurasian Milfoil. Water quality samples need to be taken along the waterfront.
Marine Service Considerations:
· Fintry has in the past been recognized as a boating destination and service point on Okanagan Lake. The tour boat Fintry Queen was built at Fintry, in part to bring visitors from local urban communities for day trips to Fintry. Many long time residents recall coming by boat to the cabaret which operated for a short time at the Packing House. Still today, a non-profit society in Vernon operates day trip boat tours for elderly and disabled groups to points on the lake including Fintry.
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· Requests for boating facilities at Fintry include retention of the existing wharf and provision of a dumping station or pumpout service, washroom facilities close to the waterfront, marine fuel sales, and a boat launch within the park site. · At present there is only one pumpout for boats between Kelowna and Vernon. It may be desirable to provide pumpout service so as to discourage disposal into the lake. · There is now only one boat fuel location between Kelowna and Vernon, at Lake Okanagan Resort. It is possible that additional fuel sales will be developed at private marinas proposed in the area, if the market demand is sufficient. · A Regional District boat launch at south end of Fintry delta is in a confined location and subject to predominant south winds. It was designed to serve only local needs and has limited parking. There is a need for a boat launch within Fintry Park, possibly situated in a sheltered location north of the existing campground.
Objectives:
To provide opportunities for day-use while minimizing environmental impact.
To provide a diverse range of day use opportunities particularly those that reflect the natural attributes of the site, and develop recreation uses at a scale that does not adversely impact the overall enjoyment of the park.
To focus on outdoor recreation uses that are associated with provincial parks , such as wildlife viewing, swimming, picnicking, and pleasure boating.
To provide opportunities for a range of user groups, including persons with special needs.
To provide for recreation day uses to meet the demands of current park visitors, and provide opportunity to expand, or add new activities to meet the needs of future visitors.
36 Actions:
Swimming/picnicking/day use:
Þ Prepare a day use area concept plan, with change rooms, parking areas, walkways and interpretive program facilities. Provide opportunity for future expansion as campground and regional visitor numbers increase. Þ Develop a swimming beach in vicinity of the Packing House (subject to the concept plan and to water sampling). Cut back the shoreline, grade and groom to enlarge the beach area. Mark the swimming area with buoys. Þ Focus the main day use area on the Packing House beach, with walkway links to the Manor House and to future campgrounds. Þ Develop picnic areas behind the swimming beach, and a smaller area at the proposed boating beach or boat launch. Þ Evaluate whether the brick portion of the Packing House is structurally sound and may be adapted for use as a change house or concession. If the building is removed, reuse the bricks and timbers as landscape material (barbecue pits, low walls, etc.) within the day use area. Þ Develop a viewpoint at Shorts Point. Þ Manage for Eurasian Milfoil along the beaches if and when needed. Þ Explore use of indigenous dryland plants as opposed to planted lawns, in order to reduce irrigation needs. Þ Develop day use parking areas at the swimming beach, Manor House, barns and boat launch. Provide for expansion of parking areas as the need arises, but with total capacity of day use areas at approximately 350 vehicles.
Boating:
Þ Construct a boat launch within the park site. Subject to the overall concept plan, a possible location is at the former boat launch site at the western edge of the existing campground. Þ Provide parking for boat trailers (possibly in the open lawn area located south of the existing campground). Þ Construct day use docking facilities (8 or so day use slips) in vicinity of the wharf north of Manor House. Use the dock as a center for boating activity, including boat tours. Þ In five years time, review the need for boat fuel sales and a pump out facility if these have not been developed at private marinas proposed in the area. Provide fuel sales only if it is a commercially viable operation and full environmental safeguards are put in place. Situate facilities at a distance away from shore spawning grounds and swimming areas. Þ Install moorage buoys in vicinity of the wharf. Þ Permit boat camping and overnight boat moorage on the gravel beach extending in front of existing campground. Þ Install directional buoys and signs along the park waterfront for water-skiing, jetskiing, and boat access to the gravel beach.
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6.5 HIKING OPPORTUNITIES AND OTHER TRAIL USES
Trails and walkways provide links between focal points, and offer their own nature appreciation and wildlife viewing experience. Fintry offers many natural trail opportunities, including the canyon trails, staircase and viewing platforms, the lake shoreline, old farm roads throughout the delta, Section 4 roads, and upland forest roads. Bridge crossings over Shorts Creek provide for looped trail networks at Westside Road and on the Fintry delta.
Considerations:
· In deciding whether to develop trail systems, it is important to clearly assess demand relative to other trail systems, to consider compatibility of trail uses, and to provide linkages to other trails constructed and planned in the region. · Of particular note is the desire not to disturb or compact any possible below surface remains, particularly along historic trails. · There are a variety of potential trail users. Further trail use considerations and preliminary conclusions are outlined in the following table.
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Potential Trail Comments: Preliminary Conclusions: Use: Hiking, · Compatible with other uses. · Keep existing trails open except walking, · Low impact. where safety is a concern. nature viewing. · Several trails are now · Close informal trails in the canyon. developed including canyon · Design of trails should incorporate stairs, safety barriers and looped networks where possible, or viewing platforms. should terminate at a viewpoint · Desirable to link with situated before reaching park regional trail plan. boundaries. · Plan for a future bridge crossing Shorts Creek, at the western edge of the park, when a future regional trail is developed. Cycling, roller · Few paved surfaces are now · Establish paved loop between new blading, wheelchair available. campground, day use area and Manor accessible trails House. Mountain biking · Routes are feasible, along · Allow but do not encourage mountain Old Delta Access and Atten- bikes. borough Road. However, · Sign entrances to private property. they are short routes, leading to private property. Horseback riding · Unknown demand, but · A horse riding center could be a regionally encouraged. suitable use at the barns. · Tourist attraction. · Accommodate riding trail along Old · Low impact. Fintry Access and Interpretive · Reflective of site heritage Brigade trail, multi use with mountain biking and hiking. · Consider accommodating horse use to the lakeshore, through the delta at Shorts Creek. Monitor amount of use.
Objectives:
To provide trails allowing for a variety of users groups, and directing users through the site in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
To link focal points through walkways and a trail system.
Actions:
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Þ Develop a trail plan incorporating the considerations noted above, and others noted in the Preliminary Concept Plan. Þ Keep multi use trails a minimum 15 meters back from the banks of Shorts Creek along the delta. Construct branch trails to the creek, and sitting areas at the creek, where banks are most stable. Þ Monitor use of the trails for visitor impacts on stream banks, on neighboring private properties, and for safety within the canyon area. Þ Plant “unfriendly” vegetation such as oregon grape or wild rose to discourage trail use on the banks of Shorts Creek and along the old trails on the south side of Shorts Creek through the canyon. Þ Continue staircase up the canyon to the upper waterfall and Westside Road. Þ Provide interpretative and directional signage along all trails. Note where trails are leaving park boundaries, and discourage park visitors from entering adjacent private properties.
6.6 CAMPING
Considerations:
· Regional growth will result in gradual demand for additional camping sites. · There is space to develop a large number of campsites on the delta, subject to waste management and other possible environmental limitations. However a high level of development could compromise the natural setting of the park. · The existing campground does not meet prescribed design standards for paved roads, gravel camping pads and vegetative screens between sites. There is concern that paved roads and gravel camping pads may cause excessive soil compaction, damaging tree roots. There is also concern that breaking limbs from older trees may pose a visitor hazard. In order to protect the grove of old-growth trees, there is a question whether the existing campground should be relocated. · There are few treed campground sites on the delta. Uphill areas would be more costly to develop (estimate double the cost) and would be situated “too far to walk” to the day use areas. · There is a demand for additional group camping within the Okanagan region. (Other sites are at Mabel Lake and Manning Park).
40 Other considerations:
· There is possible demand for boat camping (on vessel, or at walk in tenting sites accessible by boat). · It is assumed that the potential for private campground development is poor due to the distance from a major highway. · Campground management is most effective if “pods” are located in proximity to each other and if the day use area is central to the campgrounds. · Development of camping “pods” will allow for new campsites to be phased in 50 at a time, as the demand rises. · The campground season could be extended from April 1 to October 31, as is the norm in other Okanagan District parks. This may necessitate a new septic disposal field if the season is extended in order to meet Ministry of Health Regulations.
Objectives:
To provide opportunities for overnight and destination camping by area residents and tourists.
To develop several campground pods, each designed for different types of camping (full service, walk in, groups).
To provide for future expanded camping, to meet the anticipated growth in regional demand, but with a limit on total capacity in order to maintain a level of development in keeping with the neighborhood.
Actions:
Þ Plan for two future 50-site campground pods, possibly located east of the Manor House and in proximity to the proposed day use beach at Packing House. Develop to standard design criteria, including paved roads, and gravel or paved camping pads. Layout campground pods with sufficient space for a third 50- unit pod if future demand exists. Þ Develop and implement a landscape plan for the proposed new campgrounds. Plant seedling trees, including a mix of fast and slow growing species. The fast growing species may be removed later. Þ Complete detailed archaeological surveys prior to construction. Þ Do soil percolation tests and assess septic field capability at locations of proposed new campground facilities. Þ Consider provision of additional facilities like water and power hook-ups to the new campsites. Þ Upon opening of new campgrounds, re-assess the existing campground. Complete a risk assessment to the old-growth trees within the campground. Consider options at that time which may include relocation of the existing campground or operation as a walk-in tenting site. Þ Develop a group campground and small playing field. If sufficient room exists, a possible location is south of existing campground, at base of hill, with access to existing campground facilities and
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playground. (Note, the proposed boat launch parking is also recommended near this location. Detailed site planning is required.) Þ Develop overnight or boat camping on the gravel beach in front of the existing campground. Þ At campground design stage, prepare fire management plans, including wildfire and firefighting requirements. Consider on site fire stations with portable pumps. Þ Build a camper turn-around at park entrance. Þ Build a sani-pump facility for trailers.
6.7 OTHER RECREATION USES
During the course of plan preparation, a variety of other recreation uses were identified and considered. In each case, it was decided that sufficient demand does not now exist or that there is insufficient information about the feasibility of the use at Fintry. For future reference, a number of these uses and their considerations is recorded below. In each case, no further action is recommended in this plan.
· Diving site- A sunken barge is reported offshore. However demand is unknown and an existing diving site is located across from Fintry on the east side of Okanagan Lake. If diving becomes a popular attraction, a dive site could be set up close to swimming beach buoys, and at a distance from boat launch. · Snowmobiling/ cross country skiing - Snow levels do not make this a high demand area for snow sports. It would not be desirable to have snowmobiling in the canyon area or near private properties on the delta. Attenborough Road may have some opportunity, but is a public road and leads to private property. · Commercial guiding / outfitting was an historic use. It may become an attractive use, depending on decisions for the Upper Shorts Creek/Chapperon Area of Interest and/or depending on future regional fishing policies. · Backcountry camping, walk in sites. There are sufficient opportunities for backcountry camping in the region at this time. · Lodge/ retreat: Several Westside Road development proposals include resort accommodation, including a proposed lodge and 150 unit campsite situated within D.L. 2922 adjacent to the park. If there is market demand for built accommodation, there is ample opportunity for the demand to be fulfilled by private resort accommodations already approved. ¨ On the other hand, if it appears that the resort and marina proposals are unfeasible due to market conditions or servicing constraints, Fintry may provide opportunity for a financially viable guest lodge and/or marine service centre. Furthermore, guest lodge or tour group accommodation has been suggested as a suitable use and may be one of few financially viable uses for the Manor House.
6.8 PARK ACCESS:
42 Fintry Park is accessible by boat and by road. Traffic volumes and safety is a long standing issue along Westside Road, as discussed below.
Westside Road: Fintry Park is situated at the midpoint of Westside Road, 34 km. from either end. The road is provincially maintained and operated as a collector route, known regionally for its meandering alignment and occasional steep drop to the lake. Traffic counts in August, 1992 showed 400 vehicles daily at Fintry, increasing to 4,600 vehicles daily at the north end of Westside Road. Counts in 1994 showed 3,600 vehicles daily at the south end of Westside Road.
The boundary between the Vernon and Kelowna districts of Ministry of Transportation and Highways lies eight kilometers south of Fintry. The southern part of Westside Road, north from Kelowna, traverses steep rocky mountainsides where the cost of realignment and upgrading is considerable.
Alternate route proposals have been examined in the past and include the possible relocation of Westside Road to a higher elevation. A feasible new route would traverse Fintry Park just west of the existing road alignment.
Fintry Delta Road: From a turn off of Westside Road, south of Shorts Creek, Fintry residents and park users share Fintry Delta Road, a switchback route downhill to the Fintry delta. At Shorts Creek, visitors cross by bridge into the campground, while residents proceed south and eastward along Fintry Delta Road, Morden Road and Shorts Road into the Fintry South residential neighborhood.
Unsurveyed routes: Many roads on the Westside are unsurveyed, including the following routes within Fintry Park: · Westside Road is a Section 4 road from Shalal Road to the park’s north boundary. · Attenborough Road is also a Section 4 Road providing access through the park upland (D.L.’s 2920 and 2921) to reach private ranch and forest lands further up Shorts Creek. · An easement parallels Shorts Creek from the end of Shalal Road, providing access to private properties outside of the park. · A legal access easement crosses the mouth of Shorts Creek to the Bailey Lease lot. · The Old Fintry Access is now an emergency and maintenance vehicle route and is fully situated within the park site. · A dirt track providing a shortcut route from Westside Road to Attenborough Road has no legal standing.
Considerations:
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· Vehicle traffic along Westside Road from Kelowna is slowed by road conditions. Drivers unfamiliar with the road tend to drive slowly, and there are few opportunities for pull-offs or turn-arounds. · Driving conditions along Westside Road from Vernon are more typical for the region, and less of a concern for park visitors. · Residents of Fintry Delta are concerned about increased traffic volumes, and note a particular problem of congestion at the intersection with Westside Road. It may be possible to relocate the intersection to the south, to align with Dunwaters Road to the west. This would eliminate one intersection and improve sight distance. · At numerous locations including north of Shalal Road, Westside Road is a Section 4 road (i.e.: an undedicated road). Public access is permitted along the travel portion, however there is no legal right of way for road widening or utilities. · In one or more locations south of Shorts Creek, Westside Road may not be situated within its surveyed right of way. · There is historic access by boat to Fintry from Vernon and from Kelowna. There may be opportunity for day trips to and from Ellison and Bear Creek Provincial Parks, Okanagan Lake Resort, and/or Vernon and Kelowna.
Objectives:
To cooperate with other agencies concerning safety along Westside Road.
To provide a reasonable level of access for visitors to experience the park without compromising the environment, wildlife, cultural features and neighboring properties.
To encourage boat access to Fintry. thereby enhancing the heritage and recreation experiences .
Actions:
Þ Track repeat visitors and day users, to determine the volume of park use travel from the north and south ends of Westside Road. Þ Encourage Ministry of Transportation and Highways to construct pull outs and safety barriers along Westside Road, and to install barriers on Fintry Delta Road. Þ Encourage Ministry of Transportation and Highways to survey and design a relocated intersection at Westside Road, to be built when traffic congestion requires upgrading to the intersection. Þ Survey and dedicate Westside Road, removing the road from park status. Þ Eliminate, except for emergency and park management purposes, vehicle use of access easements and former roads in the park. In particular, close the Attenborough Road short cut route to vehicular traffic and incorporate the route as part of the hiking and horse trail system. Keep Old Fintry Access route closed to all but emergency vehicles. Incorporate the route as part of the looped canyon trail system. Use gates, road rehabilitation, signage and landscaping to discourage vehicular use except at designated park entrances. Þ When backcountry use increases, construct pull outs for Westside Road users, possibly in
44 conjunction with a backcountry user parking area on Westside Road. Þ Install sign along Westside Road at Bear Creek Provincial Park noting distance to Fintry Park. Þ Work with private tour operators to determine feasibility of boat tours, with Fintry as a destination.
6.9 PRELIMINARY CAMPGROUND LAYOUT:
Incorporating the development options and recommendations outlined in Sections Five and Six, a preliminary site concept plan has been developed, as shown on the following diagram.
This layout is for illustrative purposes, as the final development is subject to a number of factors, such as percolation tests for septic capability, an archeological survey and water samples at the proposed swimming beach. The ultimate park layout will depend on a number of future events, including the development of funding and operating partnerships, visitor demand for various recreation facilities and amenities, and the experience which park visitors bring to the site.
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FIGURE 7: Preliminary Concept Plan
46 SECTION 7.0 CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUES AND MANAGEMENT
7.1 INTRODUCTION
The heritage of Fintry includes many renowned characters and a variety of activities. Uses which evolved over time include the traditional uses of First Nations, through an active orcharding and agricultural period, to prospective residential land developments, and finally to the purchase in 1995 as a provincial park.
The small amount of archeological evidence visible at Fintry suggest that Shorts Creek delta was a summer fishing camp, and was on a trade route through the Okanagan region.
In 1883, the first Eurocanadian settler, Thomas D. Shorts preempted the delta land. Shorts, a pioneer steamboat captain established a fleet of freight boats at the head of Okanagan Lake, to serve the lake communities. During the 1800’s, Fintry was an overnight stop on the Okanagan Brigade Trail, an important historic trade route.
The historic buildings at Fintry are remnants of the early 1900’s, when Fintry operated as a self sufficient community, one of the early pioneer settlements of the Okanagan Valley. The name “Fintry” was given by Captain James Cameron Dun-Waters. He named the site after an ancestral estate in Scotland and constructed many of the buildings which remain today.
Further details of Fintry’s heritage are contained in Appendix A, including a description of archeological sites and notes on photographic records and place names. A description of the buildings is contained in Appendix B.
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7.2 KEY HERITAGE VALUES
The management objectives of Fintry Park will be to conserve and interpret the history associated with the site. Focus will be placed on the key values, summarized as follows:
· Retention of and public access to the Fintry Manor House as a reminder of the estate development which gives the site its name. · Interpretation and demonstration of the agricultural uses at Fintry, including protection of the remnants of the power, irrigation systems and other community infrastructure. · Respect for First Nations heritage values which may include remnants of traditional uses on site.
7.3 HERITAGE CONSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION
The heritage role of Fintry Park relates to the recognition, preservation and appreciation of heritage and cultural features. This role is important because it allows park visitors to become aware of past conditions from which the present evolved.
Considerations:
· At Fintry, it is fortunate to have a variety of features which span a long period of time and which are within a short distance of each other. · Most of the historic features are listed within the following table. However, there are significant features associated with First Nations cultural heritage which are noted in Appendix A and which should not be disturbed. · Part of the Fintry agricultural operation occurred outside of the park at the “High Farm” which should be considered within the historical interpretation. · The cultural heritage features at Fintry represent a diversity of the heritage of the Okanagan Region, including that of the First Nations, the fur trade route, commercial transport (boat wharves), agricultural development (orchard trees, packing, dairying, and irrigation), community amenities (telephone system, post office, electric power generation, recreation), the investment decisions of individual property owners, and the association of Fairbridge Farms. · All of the features are representative of a culture or phase which is regionally significant in one way or another. Some features were and still are unique, some are representative of a rapidly fading way of life, some were important contributions to the region as a whole. · Some of the features are well preserved and may be made open for public use or interpretation. Some features are in poor repair and/or hazardous condition. Some could be stabilized and repaired as time and funds permit; others may need to be removed for public safety. Some features are close to or alongside of conservation areas and need to be managed with consideration to wildlife values. · Historic artifacts on site need to be inventoried and secured. Some artifacts have been removed by members of the public.
48 · Notwithstanding their importance, there is a cost attached to making heritage features accessible to the public. The work will involve structural improvements and removal of hazards, and the costs may be prohibitive unless community partnerships are developed. · The cultural heritage role may be attained in a number of ways, such as the marketing and interpretive activities outlined in Section Eight of this plan.:
Objectives:
To protect and preserve the most important archaeological, cultural and historic values within the park for future generations.
To increase cultural and historic knowledge relating to the park site.
To establish adaptive uses in the heritage buildings, thereby making them open for public viewing and appreciation.
To work in cooperation with community heritage groups who have an interest in maintaining heritage features within the park, and who provide a base of knowledge and understanding of the park values.
To raise awareness of First Nations interests and values as they pertain to the Fintry area.
Actions:
Þ Decisions regarding most of the heritage structures will require an assessment of structural integrity, before renovation and operational costs can be determined. First priority for inventory and structural assessment is on the Shorts Creek canyon structures, for public safety reasons. Þ Retain those structures such as the Manor House and octagonal barn which have been identified through the assessment process as having historic value and have been identified for future adaptive use. Budget for ongoing maintenance and security of these structures. Þ Remove some structures which pose public safety concerns and which have no identified future adaptive use, such as the wooden portion of the Packing House and others as noted in the following Special Heritage Features Section 7.4. Þ Retain some structures which have no identified adaptive use but which pose little concern for public safety. These structures contribute to the historic interpretation and should be allowed to decay naturally with no public access. Þ Continue year round occupancy of the Manor House and Gatekeepers House, for security and building maintenance. Þ Keep unoccupied structures boarded up and fenced, so that they are not damaged further by vandals or by weather. Place signs around the fences indicating that opening for public display is anticipated at some time in the future. Þ Budget for structural assessments and any necessary upgrading to be completed on all buildings identified for future adaptive use and public access.
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Þ Undertake a site analysis consisting of as-found drawings and photographs to inventory all resources. Þ Request the voluntary donation of Fintry artifacts and make arrangements for their proper storage. (e.g. sundial, horse saddling up stand). Þ Enforce Park Act regulations that prohibit the removal of artifacts from the park site except as authorized. Þ Encourage continued investigation of non-native and early settlement history by historical organizations throughout the valley, and by provincial maritime organizations. Features may be loosely interpreted, for recreation and tourist purposes, without a strict adherence to the historic accuracy required of a provincial heritage site. Þ Undertake interpretation and/or investigation of First Nations heritage on Fintry Delta only with participation of First Nations representatives. Þ Respect and maintain the tranquillity of the manor’s east garden, including Mrs. Dun-Water’s gravesite. Þ Maintain an interpretive Okanagan Brigade Trail hiking path. Þ Work with museums and heritage sites in the region to determine a system of maintenance and storage of historic records and artifacts associated with Fintry. 7.4 SPECIFIC HERITAGE FEATURES
Feature & Status in 1997 Recommended Actions (* denotes detailed description contained in Appendix A)
Manor House* · Consider adaptation for one or more of · Occupied and in sound condition. the following uses: · Historic significance is noted by CORD & BC à Guest Lodge or retreat (groups and Heritage Branch guided parties only) , à Food service (boating lunch stop, afternoon tea room, special occasion rentals) à Gift shop, park interpretative center, and heritage displays.
· Retain plantings within the eastern garden (including gravesite and shuffleboard), as a place of quiet enjoyment (reading garden).
Field House (a.k.a. White House) · Photo Inventory, Consider removing · Burned to foundation in early 1980’s. foundations and reusing brick in a · Foundation and brick wall remnants remain. garden wall, or pathway at one of the other sites.
50 Stuart House (a.k.a. Burnside) · Consider after year 2012 as additional · Not in park but owned by Province. guest lodge capacity, if a lodge is · Occupied and leased until year 2012. operated at the Manor House.
Gatekeepers House* (a.k.a. Pym House) · Keep as gatekeepers house, for park · Occupied and in sound condition. host or other occupancy during the day during the camping season.
· Keep year round occupancy for security reasons, at least until adjacent single family properties are developed and year round occupied.
Feature & Status in 1997 Recommended Actions (* denotes detailed description contained in Appendix A)
Campsite cabin(s) · Photo Inventory. · Boarded up · Remove the structure when and if it becomes as safety hazard. Otherwise retain boarded up on site and allow to decay naturally.
“Dog Kennel” · No actions applicable. · Concrete foundation has been removed from campground.
The “Chalet” · Building is recorded in site history. No · Vandalized and destroyed by fire in 1995/6. further actions are applicable.
Farm labor cabins, post office · Further research is warranted, and the · (Situated on north side of Shorts Creek, heritage should be noted with an midway between farm buildings and Burnside, interpretive sign on the proposed and no remains are visible according to personal walking trail alongside the creek comment by Bailey, however the remnants of several small buildings remain in this location)
Packing House* and boathouse · Consider adapting brick part of the · Derelict, boarded up. packing house building for day use · Fuel pumps have been removed from boat (washrooms, changing rooms, food
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house. concession).
· Photo inventory and remove the wooden portion of packing house and the boathouse in order to open beach area.
· If it is not feasible to retain brick portion, reuse brick in retaining walls, or other landscape feature at this same site.
Steamer Wharf & assorted pilings in front of · Wharf and former associated uses are Packing House recorded in site history. No further · Unsafe, removed actions are applicable.
Feature & Status in 1997 Recommended Actions (* denotes detailed description contained in Appendix A) Remnants of Hydroelectric and irrigation system, · Maintain fencing and safety measures including cable suspension bridge, pipelines, to discourage access down into the wooden trestlework. canyon. · Dilapidated condition. · Historic significance noted by CORD. · Consider reestablishing irrigation system for demonstration purposes.
· Display remnants of the hydro electric system, or make a display model.
Octagonal dairy barn* · Consider preservation and use as an · Sound condition except for roof, boarded up. interpretive barn / working museum, · Historic significance noted by CORD working dude ranch, petting farm or other visitor revenue generating use.
Horse barn · Adapt if demand for commercial horse · Casual use, sound condition operation.
Hay barn and Granary · Photo Inventory · Heavily altered, used at various times as artist studio & theater space. · Remove open portions of the structure · North section (hay storage) is in disrepair. used for hay storage.
· Consider retaining the granary portion for interpretation.
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Stock barn · Photo Inventory. · Unknown condition. · Remove the structure when and if it becomes as safety hazard. Otherwise retain boarded up on site and allow to decay naturally.
Assorted other buildings including bunkhouse and · Photo Inventory. sheds in proximity to the barns. · Remove the structures when and if they · Condition unknown. become a safety hazard. Otherwise retain boarded up on site and allow to decay naturally.
Feature & Status in 1997 Recommended Actions (* denotes detailed description contained in Appendix A) Assorted farm implements and features including · Inventory and bring under cover two unusual, concrete roofed structures. whatever implements remain outside. · Observed in 1997. · Keep small concrete structures. · Caretaker owns some implements. · Place signs at the base, explaining their reported use and function.
Concrete foundation of original hydroelectric · Photo Inventory plant at the foot of the penstock, and artifactual · Fence securely to allow public viewing elements characteristic of electrical generation without access into the canyon. · Condition unknown.
Prehistoric archeological sites* · Partner with First Nations in recording and interpreting First Nations sites. · Do site specific archaeological assessments before developing campsites.
Okanagan Brigade Trail* · Maintain an short interpretive hiking · Historic significance noted by CORD and First path along route identified by Nations. Okanagan Historical Society. · May be part of original three trail system. · End trail before park boundary at viewpoint with interpretive signage and resting area, and/or integrate trail with other walking routes.
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Remnant Orchard (130 trees) · Remove. · Not pruned, no unique varieties.
54 SECTION 8.0 COMMUNICATIONS
8.1 INTRODUCTION
Providing information on all aspects of Fintry Park is an important function of visitor management and is a key area for partnership with the Regional District and with community conservation and heritage groups.
Information can play a number of key roles. First, it can serve to set visitor expectations and assist in the planning of holidays, group tours, day trips and recreation activities. Secondly, information can promote outdoor etiquette and careful use of the park’s resources. And thirdly, information can create an awareness and appreciation about cultural heritage, historic resources, natural setting and conservation.
Fintry Park is primarily an intensive recreation park, providing opportunities for camping, trail use, recreation boating, beach activity, and nature appreciation. It provides viewing opportunities in a natural setting and offers many unique and scenic qualities. Visitors and tours are expected to come from the local communities, for special activities centered around the historic buildings. The other prime visitor group is expected to be destination campers from within the province, Western Canada and northern United States.
Public awareness of Fintry Park is high. Active promotion and site appreciation was undertaken at the time of park purchase, and many citizens became aware of Fintry through the cooperative purchase by the Regional District of Central Okanagan. Many long time residents had previously visited Fintry, or had relatives who worked at Fintry. The colorful history of persons associated with Fintry in the recent past, and the numerous development proposals and speculative activities at Fintry have all shared in raising the profile of the park.
Public communications and information is discussed in more detail in the following four sections: 1) marketing and promotion; 2) awareness and pre-trip planning; 3) orientation information; and 4) natural and cultural resource information.
8.2 MARKETING AND PROMOTION
Promotion of a park can affect the level of use and the type of visitors it attracts. Consequently, promotion strategies must be consistent with the objectives of the park. In the case of Fintry, it will be important to communicate that Fintry has many attributes, that a mix of users and interests are accommodated on the site, and that it is being managed to protect all values.
The balance of conservation, recreation and heritage values at Fintry Park should be incorporated into all information and marketing strategies. Promotion of the heritage values or intensive recreation opportunities will be balanced with management strategies to control the 55 number of visitors and their impacts on park wildlife and neighboring properties.
An aggressive advertising campaign is not appropriate for this park, however the development of partnerships with key community organizations will allow the undertaking of strategic fundraising activities and site appreciation.
Besides BC Parks, Fintry may conceivably be promoted by commercial operators at resorts and marinas in the northern sections of Okanagan Lake, or by real estate agents as an amenity near to private land developments in vicinity of the park. Tourists will learn of Fintry through the BC Parks campground guides, through the campground reservation system as an alternative to other sites which are at capacity, through local Chambers of Commerce, and/or at heritage sites such as O’Keefe Ranch and local museums.
Objectives:
To ensure that published information about Fintry Park is consistent with the park vision and management objectives.
To portray the role of the park in conserving important vegetation, habitat and wildlife populations and in providing recreation and cultural heritage opportunities .
To provide accurate and appropriate information for all users.
Actions:
Þ Work with government agencies including the Regional District of Central Okanagan; with tourism, resident and heritage associations; and with park operators to portray the park in a manner that encourages the awareness of sensitive values within Fintry Park. Þ Take a lead role in the active promotion and marketing of Fintry Park, in the soliciting of proposals for park use permits that allow buildings to be put to new uses, and in the support of partnerships which enable objectives to be fulfilled. Þ Ensure that there is consistency between community partners, the Regional District of Central Okanagan, and BC Parks with respect to the accuracy of information provided and the level of promotion and marketing which occurs. Þ Develop a community publication that focuses on the heritage of Fintry, that describes the buildings and current public access, that indicates how people may contribute to the preservation of buildings, and that references other sites in the region where many of the historic artifacts from Fintry are stored. Þ Include in the community publication specifics of what camping and marine facilities are on site, what level of support services and supply shops are in the immediate vicinity, what buildings are open to the public, where park boundaries are, and what is the responsibility of trail and backcountry users. Þ Recognize the contributions of Central Okanagan Regional District in all publications and
56 major signage on site. Þ Consult with the Regional District and with First Nations representatives before undertaking any major promotion or marketing strategy Þ Develop an “image bank” to supply local tourism operators, the regional film commission, the Regional District and other advertising partners with suitable promotional images. Þ Develop and initiate an outreach program about environmental and historical significance of this park in an effort to assist schools and colleges in the region to determine potential educational experiences at Fintry.
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8.3 AWARENESS AND PRE-TRIP PLANNING
Awareness and pre-trip planning information can help to set expectations and behaviors, particularly for visitors from outside of the region. BC Parks provides park awareness and pre- trip planning information in the BC Parks’ brochure for the site, in regional and provincial campground catalogues, and in a variety of publications. The park is highlighted in a number of local guidebooks.
Private sector advertising can contribute significantly to regional, provincial and international awareness, particularly if it is targeted at specific values within Fintry Park. It can provide pre- trip planing information and should reference the multiple use of activities within Fintry Park.
Objectives:
To provide consistent, current and accurate information about Fintry Park to visitors to plan their trip.
To supply information to orient visitors in Fintry Park.
To supply information about other local recreation, heritage and tourism opportunities within the region.
To supply information about provincial parks.
Actions:
Þ Work with community partners and media in providing appropriate information in a responsible manner. Þ Ensure brochures and other handouts including maps and photographs remain current and accurate. Þ Provide information about the level of visitor services at Fintry Park and in the immediate vicinity. Þ Continue to work with local tourism associations, Chambers of Commerce, heritage sites and tourism operators in providing regional tourism and outdoor recreation information.
8.4 ORIENTATION INFORMATION
Orientation information is provided in park brochures and on signs in the park to help people become oriented to the park and to activities within the site. In-park handouts are also practical ways to inform visitors both on specific areas and on educational information.
Objectives:
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To provide visitors on-site information which is current and relevant to the season or the activities ongoing at that time.
Make community brochures and summaries of the Fintry heritage available to interested visitors.
Actions:
Þ Continue present park orientation and information program; Þ Ensure that facilities and signs (including information shelter and trail signs) are consistent and integrated to enhance the park’s role; Þ Ensure that park boundaries are clearly marked to discourage trail use into neighboring private properties; Þ Direct visitors through signage on site to amenities and attractions and to appropriate trails for various users. Þ Prepare and provide information on outdoor safety, boating safety and locations of safe harbors on the lake, wilderness and conservation ethics, trail etiquette and safety, firewood conservation, wildfire safety, bear precautions, low impact park use, mountain bike and horseback etiquette, and the role of sustenance and recreational fishing. Þ Work with Friends of Fintry to sponsor some orientation programs, and set up information programs which bring in guest story tellers from the local community; Þ Work with Friends of Fintry to develop a brochure recounting the history of Fintry. The brochure could be based on historian David Dendy’s report (see Appendix A); Þ Post signs at boarded up buildings, containing photos of the original building and its interior, as well as a description of the building’s heritage and plans to adapt some buildings and reopen for public use.
8.5 NATURE APPRECIATION
The conservation values of Fintry have appreciation, interpretation and educational potential. There is particular interest in the eagle nest, bird and potentially fish spawning viewing, deer range, former California Bighorn sheep range, tree identification and canyon hikes.
Interpretive programs can build an appreciation for the natural features and promote stewardship of wildlife habitat. The educational aspect will contribute to visitor experiences and it will contribute to the understanding of regional conservation values among residents within the Okanagan Valley.
Objectives:
To develop, with other conservation agencies, information on the educational themes associated
59 with plants and wildlife at Fintry;
To promote stewardship for the park and its conservation values;
To encourage visitor appreciation and understanding of the park, and of its conservation zones;
To encourage by example the principles of conservation and of land stewardship.
Actions:
Þ Prepare and deliver messages on the major wildlife habitat within the park site. Þ Publicize stewardship practices and set examples for other developments in the region. Þ Provide educational materials on wildlife viewing that includes information on ethics and intrusion on wildlife when animals are under stress.
8.6 CULTURAL HERITAGE EDUCATION
The cultural heritage aspect of Fintry is of considerable interest to residents from within the region. There is large potential for historical interpretation and education, relating to the buildings and to early settlers at Fintry.
Objectives:
To encourage appreciation and interpretation of the history associated with the establishment of Fintry Estate.
To respect the variety of cultural heritage associated with Fintry.
To attract new visitors, who may be interested only in the heritage themes at Fintry, but who will capture an appreciation of other values within the park during their visit.
Actions:
Þ Develop and implement interpretive strategies in consultation with Friends of Fintry Society, with regional museums and heritage site curators, and with park operators. Þ Maintain contact with regional museums and archives to cooperate in the storage and viewing of archives, artifacts and records which relate to Fintry. Þ Consider participating in a joint communications or marketing strategy between Fintry Park and O’Keefe Ranch to promote the farming and ranching histories of both sites. Provide for referral of visitors between sites. Þ Ensure that First Nations and oriental labor themes are respected and interpreted with the participation of local representatives.
60 Þ Interpretive strategies may include the following actions: ¨ Recreating the setting in which the features existed, such as reestablishing a commercial boating route with tour stop at Fintry, developing Fintry as a base for guided trips including fishing and/or hunting parties, recreating sport activities such as curling and archery competitions, housing milk cows in the dairy barn, developing an active orchard with old varieties and/or a haying operation involving cutting, curing and storage, and depicting life in the manor house. ¨ Displaying within or close to the farm buildings agricultural machinery and equipment that is consistent with the period of the buildings and displaying remnants of the electric generation and irrigation systems. ¨ Having activities based on some of the heritage features such as the Sen’Klip Native Theater Co. on I.R. No. 1, or story telling by some of the people who lived and worked at Fintry, or who grew up in the region. ¨ Using the corrals and barns for trail rides. ¨ Having walking or hiking tours that would provide a variety of experiences, by combining the heritage features with conservation and recreation features. ¨ Experimenting with different methods of displaying and interpreting cultural heritage features, to see which are successful. ¨ Looking at ways of recovering operational costs, such as through admission charges and/or guided tour fees.
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SECTION 9.0 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
9.1 INTRODUCTION
This section compiles all of the actions listed throughout Sections 5 to 8 of the Park Management Plan and lays the groundwork for future park management. Implementation of specific actions is dependent on the availability of BC Parks financial and staff resources, and will be affected by the needs of other parks in the rest of the provincial system. Approval of Fintry Park Management Plan does not constitute automatic approval of funding for implementation.
It is the intention that BC Parks will work with the Regional District of Central Okanagan and with community partners to implement many of the actions listed in this management plan. Priority setting and timing of specific projects will somewhat depend on the availability of funding from park sponsors. Apart from the uncertainty associated with future funding sources, some prioritizing of the main actions is necessary to effectively implement this plan.
9.2 POTENTIAL FINTRY PARTNERSHIPS
Park projects and operations are currently funded in many ways. Direct government funding is supplemented by user fees such as those for camping, and by revenues for advertising and various forms of sponsorship, which have supported park activities for more than a decade. Sponsors have helped to pay for publications, interpretive and educational programs, special events, playground equipment, backcountry cabins and trail rehabilitation. In addition, there are many British Columbians who volunteer in BC parks, as well as people who bequeath funds.
Communities want to be actively involved in managing areas they helped identify and protect through strategic land- use planning processes. One key question is how can community involvement and stewardship help meet the challenges of long-term management of our new protected areas. (Extract from B.C.’s Park Legacy Project, 1997)
Effective Fintry Park partnerships will require an understanding of each other’s needs and expectations, specification of roles and responsibilities, and demonstration of commitment to uphold agreements.
During the planning process, members of the community organizations identified the following potential opportunities to assist in fundraising and in the management of certain activities and projects at Fintry.
62 Trail Projects: · Members of regional trail user organizations, such as Federation of B.C. Naturalists, the North Westside Ratepayers Association, Backcountry Horsemen of B.C. and the Vernon Outdoors Club indicate an interest and experience in designing, constructing and maintaining trail systems. Trail construction may be assisted by manpower and funding under the Forest Renewal, Human Resources Development Canada, Environment 21 and other job training grants.
· The North Okanagan Historic Society was instrumental in researching and restoring a section of the Okanagan Brigade Trail through Fintry. Their continued support and participation will be valuable in the upkeep and interpretation of this trail.
Heritage Buildings and Interpretation: · Heritage organizations who contributed to the plan, in addition to other organizations in the region, have indicated an interest in financing repairs, undertaking maintenance of and operating the heritage buildings which are identified for future adaptive use. Tours and other interpretive activities may be sponsored by the North Westside Ratepayers Association and the Westside Road Historic Association.
All groups who participated in the plan supported the recommendation that a Friends of Fintry Society be formed, to allow for community groups to work together, to pool fundraising activities, and to coordinate efforts within the park.
In the past, BC Parks has financed most of the capital costs and ongoing expenditures associated operating provincial parks. At present, much of the funding for capital improvements is coming from Forest Renewal BC. In the future, BC Parks may look increasingly to private partnerships for development of specific facilities. New funding partners will be critical, particularly in response to the amount of infrastructure development required in newly created park spaces. As a general principle, no new infrastructure development will be undertaken at Fintry before determining if it will be financially self-supporting.
New opportunities for either public/private operation or community operation (or a combination of both) may be identified under the current Parks Legacy Project. In addition, through the Friends of Fintry, it is expected that a broad range of funding and operational partnerships will be explored.
9.3 DEVELOPMENT STAGING
The following outline lists the proposed actions in three categories: Highest Priority Actions; Task or Project Oriented Actions; and Ongoing and Monitoring Actions. In each case, the actions are outlined in greater detail within Sections Five through Eight of this plan.
The first list (Highest Priority Actions) highlights the actions that require attention in the near 63 future, that set the stage for later task or project oriented actions, and/or that raise public awareness of this new provincial park.
The second list (Task or Project Oriented Actions) highlights the actions that require a specific task or project. These actions may relate to enhancing one of the park experiences (such as establishing public uses in the Manor House) which should not be undertaken until there are sufficient funding and operating arrangements to ensure that the action does not detract from overall park values.
The third list (Ongoing and Monitoring Actions) describes the actions that require ongoing or monitoring tasks by parks staff and operators. This list will be reviewed regularly by park managers to ensure that the overall spirit and intentions of the management plan are being followed. This list may also be added to in the future without amending the Park Management Plan, as visitor numbers increase in the park, as operational details become more well established, and/or as operational practices evolve at the provincial level.
9.3.1 High Priority Actions:
Þ Initiate a Friends of Fintry form of partnership with community organizations and with the Regional District of Central Okanagan. Establish terms of reference that enable the Friends of Fintry to fundraise and to participate in capital improvements, management and operation of Fintry Park. Þ Initiate park management practices in accordance with the park zoning. Þ Prepare preliminary site concept plans for the future campgrounds and day use areas, as detailed in Section 6 of this plan. Do detailed archaeological surveys and do percolation tests, assessing septic field capability at locations of proposed new campground facilities. Þ Upon completion of site concept plans, plant seedling trees for the new campgrounds., including a mix of fast and slow growing species. Þ Undertake a site analysis of the heritage structures consisting of as found drawings and photographs to inventory all resources. Budget for removal of some structures, and structural or safety upgrading as needed on buildings identified for future adaptive use and public access. First priority for inventory and structural assessment is on the Shorts Creek canyon structures, for public safety reasons. Þ Develop a Business Plan for all proposed facility development at Fintry, to determine financial feasibility. Together with Friends of Fintry, establish a list of priorities and funding partners. Þ Eliminate, except for emergency and park management purposes, vehicle use of access easements and former roads in the park. Þ Provide interpretative and directional signage along all trails. Recognize the contributions of Central Okanagan Regional District in all publications and major signage on site.
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9.3.2 Task or Project Oriented Actions
Natural Resource Management: Þ Manage public activity and protect native vegetation within the wetland area south of Packing House and along the banks of Shorts Creek through the delta. Þ Explore strategies to keep the mouth of Shorts Creek wetted during the kokanee spawning season. Þ Develop plans of action to respond to erosion along the banks of Shorts Creek, from beaver activity, upstream flooding, or public use. Þ Undertake a stream and riparian ecosystem survey to investigate historical occurrences and to recommend habitat conservation requirements. Þ Monitor water quality within Shorts Creek and along the lakefront. Þ Seek a 100 m (328 ft) wide foreshore addition to Fintry Park. Þ Undertake wildlife surveys and botanical surveys, allow for scientific research and prepare wildlife management plans as needed. Give priority to low elevation species, habitat of rare or threatened species, and Bighorn Sheep (if strategies are initiated by BC Environment). Þ Conduct a Wildlife/Danger Tree Assessment in the existing campground. Þ Remove the old orchard. Þ Develop a Bear Emergency Plan for the park.
Site Management Tasks: Þ Encourage the City of Vernon and the District of Lake Country to consider the scenic value of the view from Fintry Park across Okanagan Lake to the Commonage/Barkley and Eastside Road neighborhoods. Þ Design fuel breaks, maintain fuel reduction activities on the delta, and undertake detailed fire and forest health management plans as noted in this plan. Þ Assess future campground, visitor activity, fire suppression and irrigation needs. Determine if water licenses on Okanagan Lake are required for long term needs. Þ Amend surplus domestic and irrigation water licenses on Shorts Creek to a Fisheries Conservation purpose.
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Þ Encourage Ministry of Transportation and Highways to survey and design a relocated intersection at Westside Road, to be built when road use requires upgrading to the intersection. Þ Survey and dedicate Westside Road, removing the road from park status. Provide for future backcountry parking areas on both sides of Westside Road. Þ Install sign along Westside Road at Bear Creek Provincial Park noting distance to Fintry Park. Þ Work with private tour operators to determine feasibility of boat tours, with Fintry as destination.
Building Management: Þ Remove some structures and retain or upgrade others as noted in Section 7.4 of this plan. Þ Respect and maintain the tranquillity of the manor’s east garden, including Mrs. Dun-Water’s gravesite. Þ Work with museums and heritage sites in the region to determine a system of maintenance and storage of historic records and artifacts associated with Fintry.
Swimming/picnicking/day use facility development: Þ Prepare a day use area concept plan. Provide opportunity for future expansion as campground and regional visitor numbers increase. Þ Develop a swimming beach in vicinity of the Packing House, with walkway links to the Manor House and to future campgrounds. Provide a smaller day use area at the boating beach. Þ Construct parking areas and picnic areas. Þ Adapt the brick portion of the Packing House (or construct a new facility if needed) for use as change house or concession.
Boating: Þ Construct a boat launch (subject to the overall concept plan) with boat trailer parking. Þ Construct day use docking facilities and install moorage and directional buoys. Þ Remind boaters that Okanagan is designated as a “No Dumping” lake. Þ Review the need for boat fuel sales and a pump out facility.
Campground Development: Þ As demand increases (and when tree cover is established), construct and open two new 50-site campground pods. Layout campground pods with sufficient space for a third 50- unit pod if future demand exists. Þ Upon opening of new campgrounds, re-assess the existing campground. Þ Develop a group campground and small playing field. Þ Develop overnight or boat camping. Þ Build a camper turn-around at park entrance. Þ Build a sani-pump facility for trailers.
66 Visitor Activity Projects: Þ Develop a trail plan incorporating the considerations noted in Section Six. Þ Prepare management guidelines for recreational fishing within the park.
Public Awareness and Communication Tasks: Þ Create park handouts and brochures for both park visitors and for community interest. Work with Friends of Fintry to research material and to develop the brochures. Þ Develop an “image bank” to supply suitable promotional images. Þ Initiate outreach programs and work with the Friends of Fintry to sponsor orientation programs. Prepare and deliver messages protecting wildlife and heritage values within the park site. Þ Post information and directional signs. Þ Publicize stewardship practices and set examples for other developments in the region. Þ Consider participating in a joint communications or marketing strategy between Fintry Park and O’Keefe Ranch to promote the farming and ranching histories of both sites. Provide for referral of visitors between sites.
Heritage Interpretation Projects: Þ Develop and implement interpretive strategies in consultation with Friends of Fintry, with regional museums and heritage site curators, and with park operators. Þ Interpretive strategies may include experimenting with a number of the activities set out in Section Eight of this plan.
9.3.3 Ongoing and Monitoring Actions
Natural Resource Management: Þ Manage Special Feature - Natural Conservation Areas, in a manner that protects wildlife and habitat values as a first priority. Þ Focus public activity in areas such as the north half of the delta where the natural environment has been disturbed in the past, and along existing trails, in order to minimize disturbance to native vegetation and wildlife habitat. Þ Manage or restrict public access (including boats) along the banks of Shorts Creek and along the shore spawning grounds during periods of fish spawning. Þ Monitor bat houses to determine effectiveness. Þ Retain the groves of old-growth trees now on the delta. Þ Allow natural shoreline vegetation to become established in the Special Feature - Natural Conservation Zones. Þ Maintain the forested views from the campground and beach areas, from Westside Road, and from Okanagan Lake. Þ Conduct forest health (insect and disease management) activities and review management prescriptions of the adjacent Tree Farm License. Þ Prepare and update fire response plans that can be implemented for Fintry Park, in cooperation with the Fire Protection District and Ministry of Forests. Þ Manage for Eurasian Milfoil along the beaches if and when needed. 67
Þ Explore use of indigenous dryland plants. Þ Adapt park management as needed to respond when more inventory work is complete, and as new regional management efforts are put in place to protect endangered species.
Visitor Management: Þ Look at ways of recovering operational costs, such as through admission charges and/or guided tour fees. Þ Monitor use of the trails for visitor impacts on stream banks, on neighboring private properties, and for safety within the canyon area. Þ Encourage Ministry of Transportation and Highways to construct pull outs and safety barriers along Westside Road, and to install barriers on Fintry Delta Road. Þ Continue year round occupancy of the Manor House and Gatekeepers House, for security and building maintenance. Þ Keep unoccupied structures boarded up and fenced, so that they are not damaged by vandals or by weather. Place signs around the fences outlining that opening for public display is anticipated at some time in the future. Þ Enforce Park Act regulations that prohibit the removal of artifacts from the park site except as authorized. Þ Request the voluntary donation of Fintry artifacts and make arrangements for their proper storage. Þ Encourage continued investigation of non-native and early settlement history by historical organizations throughout the valley, and by provincial maritime organizations. Þ Undertake interpretation and/or investigation of First Nations heritage on Fintry Delta with participation of First Nations representatives.
Communications: Þ Work with government agencies including the Regional District of Central Okanagan; with tourism, resident and heritage associations; and with park operators to portray the park in a manner that encourages the awareness of sensitive values within Fintry Park. Þ Take a lead role in the active promotion and marketing of Fintry Park, in the soliciting of proposals for park use permits that allow buildings to be put to new uses, and in the support of partnerships which enable objectives to be fulfilled. Þ Consult with the Regional District and with First Nations representatives on any promotion or marketing strategy. Þ Work with community partners and media in providing appropriate information in a responsible manner. Þ Ensure brochures and other handouts including maps and photographs remain current and accurate. Þ Provide information about the level of visitor services at Fintry Park and in the immediate vicinity. Þ Continue to work with local tourism associations, Chambers of Commerce, heritage sites and tourism operators in providing regional tourism and outdoor recreation information. Þ Continue present park orientation and information program; Þ Ensure that facilities and signs (including information shelter and trail signs) are consistent
68 and integrated to enhance the park’s role. Þ Ensure that park boundaries are clearly marked to discourage trail use into neighboring private properties. Þ Ensure that First Nations and oriental labor themes are respected and interpreted with the participation of local representatives. Þ Maintain contact with regional museums and archives to cooperate in the storage and viewing of archives, artifacts and records which relate to Fintry.
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APPENDIX A HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY
An extensive historic analysis of Fintry was compiled in 1983 by local historian David Dendy. Archaeological surveys and studies were undertaken in 1976 and 1991. The following extracts are from these reports, and other sources as noted.
First Nations History:
The proper name for Fintry is somewhat in confusion, as the name given for the place has also been applied to a more recent Indian village two miles north of the mouth of Siwash Creek, at the Head of the Lake. But the placing of the name at Fintry seems to have come directly from the information of local Indians, and so seems the more reliable. Sinquina Otiaton ‘Jump on their backs’ (Kennard) Sinkohotem ‘Massacred’ (Hill-Tout) Sin-kina-ot-iat ‘Massacred’ (Ormsby) SntlEmuxte’n ‘Place where slaughtered’ (Teit)
The stories behind this name relate it to the intermittent warfare between the Okanagan Indians and the Shuswaps, brought about by the gradual extension of Okanagan territory into the northern Okanagan Lake area, which until about 1700 was held by the Shuswaps.
The most popular version of the story says that an Okanagan war party ambushed three or four hundred Shuswaps encamped on the delta at the base of the cliffs, and killed them by rolling rocks down on them. There is little detail in the various reports, and no archeological evidence of such a massacre has been found. But the story tallies with the reported traditions of the Okanagan Indians who reported frequent conflict with the Shuswaps and that a favorite tactic of their warfare was the ambush whereby opponents were either crushed by rockslides or driven off cliffs.
The small amount of archeological evidence visible at Fintry suggest that this was a summer camp of the Okanagan Indians. They were a semi-nomadic people, spending the summer traveling about through the Valley harvesting various animal and vegetables in the places in which they were most abundant.
During the course of this plan, First Nation representatives reported a system of three trails on the western shores of Okanagan Lake, at various elevations respectively a ‘winter trail’, ‘spring trail’ and ‘summer trail’.
European Contact Period:
During the early 19th century, fur traders were the first to make contact with the native inhabitants of the valley. At that time, a system of fur brigade trails was established to connect Fort Okanagan on the Columbia River north to Kamloops, via Okanagan River and the westside of Okanagan Lake.
70 In 1883, the first Eurocanadian settler ,Thomas D. Shorts, preempted the land. Shorts, a pioneer steamboat captain established a fleet of freight boats to service the lake communities. After several changes in ownership, the property was purchased by Captain James Cameron Dun-Waters in 1909. Dun-Waters named the property Fintry, after an ancestral estate in Scotland. He built most of the buildings that are on the property today, including the Manor House, gate house and several farm buildings.
Fintry Manor house was constructed largely of granite quarried from the cliffs edging Fintry delta. The stonemason, John Abbott Bailey of Kelowna, also contracted the installation of the irrigation system.) While the original house was destroyed by fire in 1924, foundation walls remained intact and house was reconstructed.
During his ownership of the land, Dun-Waters cleared much of the delta for farming and built a hydro generating power station on Shorts Creek. He built up one of the most famous agricultural estates in the Okanagan Valley, complete with landscaped gardens, a 40 acre orchard, four additional residences for farm management personnel, tennis courts, stables and paddocks, bridal paths, upland hunting lodges, golf driving range, a roofed in electrically lit curling rink, and one of the first circular (octagonal) dairy barns built in B.C.
Dun-Waters developed a passionate interest in one breed of Scottish dairy cattle, the Ayrshires. As a first step the famous octagonal dairy barn was designed by J. Honeyman, a Vancouver architect and old school friend of Dun-Waters who also designed the White House. The ultimate in modernity, all fifty or so stalls faced inwards towards a central silo and circular manger. All conveyor tracks had to be curved, but the barn actually worked very well.
At some point, probably between the world wars, a fruit packing plant and steamer wharf were built at Shorts Point to ship the products of Fintry’s orchards and dairy farm. Confirm - Bricks made in Vernon used in wall construction for packing plant (south end, used for cold storage) and in White House
Dun-Waters occupied the property until his death in 1939 (moving to Stuart House in 1938). Mrs. Dun-Waters passed away in 1924 and a plaque marks her gravesite north of the Manor House.
Residential & Resort Development Period:
In 1938 the property was sold to Fairbridge Farm School Society, which ran the estate as a British boarding school. The estate then passed through a number of hands before being purchased in 1959 by Mortenson and Kaiser of Seattle. The ensuing development concept, under the name Fintry Estates Ltd. proposed to subdivide the entire property in a “Florida-style” promotion, offering for mail-order sale lots of a minimum 7500 square feet for $ 795, at $10 down and $10 per month. By March 1959, it was reported that over one thousand lots had been sold, before the provincial government clamped down over real estate regulations. The lots had not been properly subdivided; water, roads and utilities had not been supplied to the lots, and finally a legal battle meant the concern went into bankruptcy. 71
In 1963 Fintry Estates Ltd. was bought out by the family of Arthur Bailey. A golf course/residential resort concept was designed by B.C. Properties Ltd. and lead to the creation of a 117 lot residential subdivision on the southern portion of Fintry Delta. Arthur Bailey operated “Fintry Inn” and cabaret in the old packing house, receiving tourists and day visitors by road and from the cruise vessel “Fintry Queen” until the early 1980’s.
PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES
(Source: Arcas, 1990)
“Five archeological sites of apparent prehistoric antiquity were recorded during the Okanagan Lake survey in 1976. No surficial cultural features were reported from any of these sites, which included a possible rock shelter, an exposure of possible subsurface cultural deposits, and three lithic surface scatters (remnants of native stone working for tool manufacture). The status of each site as relocated in 1990 follows:
EaQu 13: this was a surface scatter of three basalt and two chalcedony waste flakes on a 50 m length of beach, extending east from the boat launching ramp and marina at the trailer park on the north side of the delta. The materials were not collected in 1976, but no trace of this site was identified in 1990. The significance of the site is regarded as low.
EaQu 14: was recorded as a scatter of two chert or chalcedony flakes on the delta terrace southwest of the boat launching ramp, in an area now occupied by two house trailers. Excellent surface exposure ensured total coverage of the area, but no cultural materials were identified in 1990. This site should be considered destroyed, and of low significance.
EaQu 15: was recorded from the north side of the delta between Fintry Manor and the old packing house. The site was recorded as a scatter of artifacts including a small corner- notched projectile point and a retouched flake, both manufactured from basalt, one chert flake and one chalcedony flake. The projectile point was collected and catalogued (EaQu 15: 1). In 1990 were found a single calcined bone fragment and a large, crudely flaked basalt projectile point with broad side notches (collected and catalogued as EaQu 15: 2). This may have been an unfinished point but the distal tip was broken. About ten shovel tests were excavated in the area between the manor and the packing house, but no additional cultural materials were identified. Because no cultural materials besides the projectile point and the bone fragment were identified, we regard this site as having low significance.
EaQu 16: was recorded as possible subsurface cultural deposits in a cut on the left bank (north side) of Shorts Creek 325 m upstream from its mouth. The exposure was easily relocated, consisting of dark grey silty loam, reddish brown burned silty loam, scattered flecks of charcoal, and large chunks of charcoal or charred roots. No obvious cultural material such as fire-altered rocks, faunal remains, or lithic artifacts were observed, and it is believed that this exposure is a natural deposit altered by ground fire. No cultural materials were identified in nearby shovel tests or surface exposures. The location is not believed to a genuine archaeological site, and is considered to have low significance. 72
EaQu 4: is a small rock shelter beneath a detached block of granodiorite near the toe of the mountain slope 375 m south of the boat launching ramp. No unequivocal cultural remains were reported in 1976, but charcoal chunks were seen on the surface and possible carbon staining was observed on the roof of the shelter. During the course of the impact assessment, a 65 cm deep shovel test was excavated in the floor of the shelter; grey sand and angular rubble overlay yellowish brown coarse sand with occasional gravel. Small charcoal fragments were recovered from both strata but no other obvious cultural materials were identified. The black staining on the roof was still visible but is may be of natural, rather than cultural, origin.”
OKANAGAN FUR BRIGADE TRAIL
“EaQu 19: is the site registration number assigned to a section of the historic Hudson’s Bay Company fur brigade trail on neighboring D.L. 2923 north of the subject property. The segment continues onto D.L. 2920 and D.L. 686, so the same number is used to refer to this previously unreported part of the trail. The route of the trail was traced for 645 meters south from the north boundary of D.L. 2920, to the lowest switchback on the original Fintry access road (abandoned); the original trail probably ran down to the Shorts Creek delta on the same route as the access road.
Only the northernmost 190 m of the trail could be considered intact, some of which may have been on the adjoining property, D.L. 2923. The remainder has been obliterated by logging access roads and bulldozer tracks in the past few years. In this area (totaling 455 m), the trail was marked by reflective metal tags placed on trees adjacent to the trail by members of the Okanagan Historical Society in 1982.(1974?) About 25 m of the trail was still intact. Partially buried and slightly downslope from the road where it traversed a scree slope. The trail angled down the hill from the talus area to the old Fintry access road, and this 75 m - long segment was destroyed when it was traversed by a bulldozer.”
Where undisturbed, the trail is quite faint and not more than 50 cm wide. No trees and only a few shrubs are presently growing on the route. The existence of this historic trail is well- known to residents of the Okanagan Valley. The undisturbed segments of the trail are considered to have moderate to high historic significance, but destroyed sections have low significance.”.
A NOTE ON NAMES
(Source: Dendy)
“Many names in the Fintry area have changed over the years. Shorts’ Creek, for example, was
73 named Riviere a la Biche (“Doe Creek”) by the fur traders; later as Elk River; during the tenure of Thomas Shorts the name became first Fall Creek and then Jubilee Creek; later people called it Shorts’ Creek after him, and in 1930 that name was officially given to it by the Geographical Board of Canada. What is now officially known as Terrace Mountain was long called Shorts’ Mountain; the mountain to the south of the creek, known as Zion Mountain, has no official name on the maps. The delta property has been known as Sinkohotem Fall Creek Ranch, Shorts’ Point Ranch, and Fintry.”
A NOTE ON SOME PICTURE SOURCES
(Source: Dendy)
The Vernon Museum (and O’Keefe Ranch) has a fair number of photographs of Dun-Waters’ Fintry and of the earlier residents of the area.
The Kelowna Museum has pictures of Fintry from the collection of R.J. Sugars. Many of the more recent magazine and newspaper articles cited in the Dendy report include illustrations.
The Provincial Archives of British Columbia has two movies, made by the Department of Agriculture, of the Interior Provincial Exhibition at Armstrong in 1930 and 1935 which show J.C. Dun-Waters in procession with his prize Ayrshire cattle.
Arthur Bailey has some pictures and other material items of interest such as apple boxes with the Fairbridge Farms label on them and a whiskey bottle with Dun-Waters’ personal “Laird of Fintry” label.
74 APPENDIX B BUILDING DESCRIPTIONS
An extensive market appraisal was undertaken of the land and buildings, in advance of park purchase. The following are extracts from that appraisal (Source: Market Value Analysis from Kent- MacPherson Appraisals, 1995. Subsequent renovations are noted in brackets)
MANOR HOUSE
“The 1.5 storey Manor house located near the north east shore on District Lot 686 was originally constructed in 1920. ( or 1911 - 12 per Dendy)
In 1967 the kitchen area was enlarged and plumbing and electrical wiring upgraded. During this period the roof was recovered with duroid shingles and dormers constructed to accommodate 7 new bedrooms in the attic area. Thus, the building presently contains 1.5 storeys. Each bedroom contains its own ensuite bathroom and the total area utilized in the upper floor is approximately 2,700 square feet.
The irregular shaped main floor contains approximately 5,512 square feet excluding porches and verandahs which contain 1,390 square feet. Basement improvements include a few storage cupboards and partitioned storage rooms. (Two oil fired hot air furnaces and hot water tank situated in the basement are disconnected while a third oil fired hot air furnace situated in the attic is removed. Propane heat and hot water is now provided. The roof has been insulated.)
Attractive features include nine fireplaces on the main floor, ornate wall coverings in the dining room and trophy room plus several built-ins, attractive screened-in porches, 3 pantries off the kitchen, 2 staircases to the second floor, leaded windows in the trophy room, an outside ramp entrance into the basement and finally, the old fashioned 12 foot high ceilings throughout the main floor. The second storey living area contains 8 foot high ceilings.
The entire structure with the exception of the trophy room, sits on a full basement. The stone walls extend from the eaves downward into the excavation to the basement floor. Therefore, the basement walls are also constructed of stone and mortar but with one exception. The stone work bounding the extension to the kitchen are concrete rather than stone.
Interior finishing includes edge-grained fir flooring throughout most of the main floor with vinyl tiles in the kitchen and throughout the second storey bedroom area. Walls and ceiling are plaster throughout most of the main floor with drywall covering the addition to the kitchen and most of the upstairs bedrooms with some walls covered with decorative plywoods.
Due to the extensive use of hand cut granite, the building is virtually irreplaceable from a reproduction cost standpoint”.
75
FORMER “STUART PROPERTY” NOW LEASED TO MR. AND MRS. BAILEY
“The former “Stuart” property, as it is commonly referred to, is located at the mouth of Shorts Creek, at the extreme southern end of Plan B4484. (Situated outside of the park)
The original residence has been completely remodeled, modernized and expanded by Mr. and Mrs. Bailey and now comprises a total main floor area of approximately 3,553 square feet with an attached 1,092 square foot screened porch; 798 square foot unlined attached double garage and 572 square foot carport.
The home also has a one-half storey above the original residence, plus partial basement.
The residence and underlying 2.95 acre waterfront site are under 25 year lease to Mr. and Mrs. Bailey expiring January 1, 2012.”
OCTAGONAL AND CONVENTIONAL BARNS AND OUT-BUILDINGS
“The former dairy barn is octagonal in shape with a silo at the center. It contains 2,784 square feet including the silo area and sits on a 20 inch high cement foundation. Interior finishing is whitewashed boards while board and batten cover the exterior. Roofing is cedar shingles in poor condition. The entire floor area plus the feeding troughs are constructed of concrete. Each of the 15 stalls contains a stanchion. Other partitions create 3 pens and a calf pen. The cemented area extends from one side measuring 12 feet by 49 feet (588 square feet). The entire structure is in good condition considering its age and could be revitalized to serve as a dairy barn for several more years.
The octagonal barn is unique in design and is one of the last octagonal style barns in western Canada and as a result it has been designated of regional heritage significance.”
GATEHOUSE/CARETAKER’S HOUSE
“Built in approximately 1920, the gatehouse is irregular and contains approximately 1,109 square feet with two bedrooms, kitchen, living room, sitting room, bathroom and is heated with an oil fired, forced hot air furnace.
Kitchen and bathroom floors are tile while the remaining floors are Fir with interior wall finish of plaster. The exterior has a stucco finish with durio shingle roof. A small three bay garage is located in the back yard and is in poor condition.”.
PACKING HOUSE:
(Sources: Dendy and Arcas) In 1993, the area of the old Inn, formerly the packing house, was inspected and found to be in disrepair. The main floor of the building and wharf appeared to be sagging. Holes were evident in both the wharf and the floor of the building. The building was gutted and there was considerable construction debris on the floor inside the building.
76
Approximately 100 meters to the north of the packing house is a small boathouse. This was the location of fuel dispensing operations, with underground fuel tanks approximately 30 meters from shoreline. (The tanks and fuel pump were removed in 1996).
IRRIGATION REMNANTS:
(Sources: Dendy and Arcas) A linear array of pipelines, flumes, wooden trestlework, and cable suspension bridges extend up the canyon, from a location south of the second lowest switchback on the original Fintry Delta access road. All of the features are quite dilapidated and somewhat hazardous, but the pipeline was traversed to the middle of the second suspension bridge, about 10 m from the concrete head gate for the pipeline. A large-diameter aluminum pipe apparently still carries water to the delta, but part of the deck of the second bridge has collapsed and the head gate is not accessible at present. This feature system is quite picturesque, but lacks historical integrity and so was not recorded.
77
APPENDIX C PARK SYSTEM GOALS
In the Park Act, BC Parks must: · conserve significant and representative natural and cultural resources; and, · provide a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities.
CONSERVATION Within the conservation mandate, BC Parks has two goals:
Goal 1 Representativeness To protect viable, representative examples of the natural diversity of the province, representative of the major terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems, the characteristic habitats, hydrology and landforms, and the characteristic backcountry recreational and cultural heritage values of each ecosection.
Goal 2 Special Features To protect the special natural, cultural heritage and recreational features of the province, including rare and endangered species and critical habitats, outstanding or unique botanical, zoological, geological and paleontological features, outstanding or fragile cultural heritage features, and outstanding outdoor recreational features such as trails.
RECREATION Within the recreation mandate, BC Parks has four goals: 1. Travel Tourism Routes - To provide park attractions and services which enhance tourism travel routes. 2. Outdoor Recreation Holiday Destinations - To provide park attractions which serve as or improve key destinations for outdoor recreation holidays. 3. Backcountry - To provide outstanding backcountry recreation opportunities throughout the province. Some site may feature adventure tourism, while in other areas the wilderness would remain untouched. 4. Local Recreation - To ensure access to local outdoor recreation opportunities for all residents of this province.
78 APPENDIX D INFORMATION SOURCES
Background information was compiled from the following publications and resources.
Arcas Consulting Archaeologists Ltd.; Archaeological Impact Assessment; for Lancer Financial Corporation; May 7, 1990.
David R.B. Dendy; A History of Fintry; for K-West Estates Ltd.; September 1983.
Kent Mac-Pherson Appraisals; Market Value Appraisal, Fintry Estates; for Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks, March 3, 1995.
Regional District of Central Okanagan; Parks Bylaw No. 755 ; October 6, 1997.
Regional District of Central Okanagan; Westside Road Parks Preplan; December 24, 1996.
Reid Crowther & Partners Ltd.; Environmental Assessment; for Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks; November 1995.
T.R. Underwood Engineering; Westside Road Official Community Plan; Information, resident survey results, and bylaw updates in progress for Regional District of Central Okanagan; Fall of 1997.
UMA Engineering Ltd.; Fintry Delta Development Opportunities Analysis Report; for Regional District of Central Okanagan, October 1995.
79
Fintry Protected Area Purpose Statement and Zoning Plan
Introduction
Fintry Protected Area is located on the northwest side of Okanagan Lake, approximately 34 kilometres north of Kelowna and 49 kilometres south of Vernon. The protected area can be accessed by a number of logging roads extending from Westside Road. The White Creek Forest Service Road provides access to a parking lot and trail system along the northern edge of the area.
The boundaries of the protected area include foreshore on Okanagan Lake and extend west over the front slopes above Fintry Park and along the north and south rims of Shorts Creek Canyon. The protected area abuts crown forest land to the south and tree farm license land to the north. A large section of private lots covers the lower valley bottom to approximately midway up the Canyon section of the protected area. These private lands are accessed by rough roads and are developed with recreational cabins and small farm holdings. The Okanagan Lake Westside Road right-of-way crosses through the lower section of the protected area.
The protected area was established through recommendations of the Okanagan-Shuswap Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) under the Environment Land Use Act with provision that the Okanagan Lake Westside Road right-of-way may be relocated through the area. Allowance is also made for potential development of a forest access road through the northeast corner of the protected area and possible upgrade of the White Elephant non-status road.
From lake edge to its most westerly point, the protected area stretches 15 km into Shorts Creek canyon, encompassing 523 hectares of creek bottomlands, forest mountain sides, steep open rocky and grassy slopes and cliff rimmed canyon walls. Ponderosa pine dominates the slopes above Fintry Park and the southerly exposures of the lower canyon. These dry open forests break out onto steep rocky slopes about half way up the south side of the canyon, with pockets of grassland interspersed with aspens, juniper and shrubby cover of saskatoon berry and ceanothus. Further up, the canyon sides form a series of open rocky basins and high rimmed cliff walls. The creek environments include a mix of Douglas fir, aspen, cottonwoods, cedar and juniper. The north facing and wetter slopes of the south side are covered in thick stands of Douglas fir. These north facing slopes fringe into the upper plateau forests of lodgepole pine and spruce.
Shorts Creek canyon is very rugged and difficult to access. Much of it is in pristine condition; however, private land developments in the lower valley bottom disrupt the integrity of the area’s natural ecosystems. Key parcels at the very top end of the private land have been acquired by Nature Trust. These properties abut the protected area and will be maintained in a natural condition to buffer impacts from lower valley activities.
Shorts Creek canyon has been the focus of efforts to increase the population of California bighorn sheep along the north side of Okanagan Lake. California Sheep occurred historically in Shorts Creek and efforts are being made to re-establish a viable herd in the drainage. The project involves ongoing forest thinning and prescribed burning to improve grassland habitats on the south facing slopes of the canyon. Sheep have been transplanted into Shorts Creek from viable herds elsewhere in the province. The canyon is also prime winter range for mule deer.
Primary Role
The primary role of Fintry Protected Area is to protect the environments of Shorts Creek canyon and the continuity of ecosystems connecting down to Okanagan Lake and Fintry Park; and to provide a large intact management unit with the necessary terrain and habitat attributes to re- establish and maintain a viable population of California bighorn sheep on the west side of Okanagan Lake.
Secondary Role The secondary role of the protected area is to provide for continued recreation access and use with particular emphasis on hiking and nature viewing. A parking lot and an established system of trails lead hikers to a number of viewpoints along the north rim of the canyon. The trails dip in and out of the protected area boundaries.
Known Management Issues Response There may be opportunity to review and revise • As directed through the the current legislative status and to consolidate Okanagan-Shuswap LRMP, the lower boundaries. portion of the protected area will be retained under the Environment Land Use Act to allow for potential relocation of the Westside Road, potential development of logging road access through the northeast corner of the protected area and possible upgrade of the White Elephant non-status road.
• Pursue potential to move the unencumbered upper portions of the protected area to Park Act designation.
• Work with Nature Trust to determine the potential to establish partnership agreement and possible inclusion of Nature Trust lands within the protected area.
Re-establishment of big horn sheep is a • There will be no road access to the primary objective for area pursuant to the canyon bottom in the protected area. LRMP • No trails will be built or maintained within the canyon bottom. • Management focus will be placed on long term program of habitat enhancement and sheep transplants. There is limited opportunity for public access • Coordinate with Ministry of Forests and recreation in the area. and Range, and forest companies to maintain road access to the trail parking lot on the north side of the canyon. Trail access on the north side must be carefully considered to avoid encroachment onto sheep range, including lambing areas. • There may be potential to construct a trail on the south side of the canyon to Shorts Mountain.
Zoning The whole of the protected area is zoned as Nature Recreation.
Protected Area Values and Significance Summary Matrix
Conservation
Representation Ecosection North Okanagan Basin – 7.6% contribution to the protected area system representation. This ecosection is poorly represented (5%) in the protected areas system. Western Okanagan Upland – major (28%) contribution to the protected area system representation. This ecosection is poorly represented (2.5%) in the protected areas system. Biogeoclimatic subzone/variant IDF mw1 – contributes significantly (35%) to the protected areas system representation of this subzone/variant. This subzone/variant is not well represented (4.6%) in the protected area system. IDF xh1 – contributes 3.9% to province-wide representation. This sub/zone is reasonably well represented (7.2%) in the protected areas system. MSdm2 – contributes 1% to province-wide representation. This subzone/variant is poorly represented (3.5%) in the protected areas system. Special Features Shorts Creek canyon as a geological feature.
Rare/Endangered Values California sheep re-introduction.
Scientific/Research Opportunities Sheep recovery.
Recreation
Representation Backcountry Canyon provides rugged terrain for adventuresome hikers and hunters destination
Travel corridor
Local recreation Hiking along the rim; hunting particularly for deer and grouse. Special Opportunities Future potential opportunity to view bighorn sheep once population is established Education/Interpretation Opportunities
Cultural Heritage
Representation
Special Feature
Other Management Considerations
Other Designations
Relationship to Other Protected Areas Connects with Fintry Park to provide continuity of habitat representation from lake shore to upper end of Shorts Creek Canyon. The only large protected area on the north end of Okanagan Lake; Okanagan Mountain Park represents southern end of the lake. Fintry Park combines with Kalamalka Lake Park, Kalmalka Lake Protected Area and Cougar Canyon in providing large natural area representation of North Okanagan Basin. Collaborative Management Arrangements
Partnerships
Vulnerability
Relationship to Other Strategies Okanagan-Shuswap LRMP
Area 523 hectares
Date of establishment April 18, 2001 Projection: UTM Zone 11 Datum: NAD83 Produced in Nov 2005 for 1:125,000 Ministry of Environment This is a visual representation 0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6 2 by Ministry of Agriculture and Lands only and should not be used for Integrated Land Management Bureau Kilometers legal purposes
The Octagon Spring 2011
The Friends of Fintry Provincial Park Society will present two new exciting events in 2011:
The Spring Plant Festival and the Fintry Edwardian Fair: celebrating B.C. Parks 100th birthday. Please mark the dates on your calendar and join us for a wonderful day at Fintry. Fintry Friends of
SPRING PLANT FESTIVAL PUBLIC LECTURE Friday, May 13th at 7:30 PM BARRY AGAR, Head Gardener, Hatley Park, Royal Roads University, will give a public lecture on Heritage Gardening at Royal Roads. The location of the lecture will be Lecture Hall at Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Rd., Kelowna: Tickets $15 at the door. The following day, May 14th, Mr. Agar will be available to answer any questions at the Spring Plant Festival at the Manor House, Fintry Provincial Park
SPRING PLANT FESTIVAL Saturday, May 14th, 10 AM to 4 PM Grounds of the Fintry Manor House Gardening advice will be available, and plants and seeds will be on sale, together with arts and crafts by the residents of the region. Local musicians will play from the Veranda, and children of all ages will be invited to play games on the Front Lawn. Lunch will be available from 12 noon to 1:30pm. Admission by donation. Tour of Manor House and Barns: Adults $5, children under 12 free.
EDWARDIAN FAIR: CELEBRATING B.C. PARKS 100th BIRTHDAY Saturday, July 16th, 8:30 AM to 4 PM
Grounds of the Fintry Manor House
A Pancake breakfast (8:30- 10:30am) will start the day. At 10:30am the Fair will be opened officially by „James Dun-Waters‟ with the Kalamalka Pipe Band, and artists and artisans will open their booths to exhibit their work. Lunch will be for sale from noon until 1:30pm when the afternoon‟s musical entertainment will begin. Admission by donation. Tour of Manor House and Barns: Adults $5, children under 12 free.
***Remember to renew your membership – Tear-off form on last page.***
Website: http://www.fintry.ca Email: [email protected] Telephone: 250-542-4031 Page 1 of 9
region to celebrate BC Parks Birthday, to President’s Report enjoy the beauty of Fintry Park, and to tour its unique heritage buildings. Michael Berry On Saturday, August 20 the Friends of When Fintry is in the grip of Fintry will host a traditional Pancake
winter, the inside of the Manor Breakfast from 8:30am to 10:30am. House is cold. While the Site Managers‟s Country and Western music will be featured quarters are heated the rest of the building is from the Veranda, and tours of the House not, so we hold our monthly Board meetings and Barns will be available. in Kelowna. Now that April has arrived we have returned to Fintry. The last of the season‟s events will be a Fireside Gathering on Saturday, October 8, Since the last issue of The Octagon in the 2011 from noon until 4pm. in the Manor Fall of 2010, the Board has spent much of its House. It will be a family celebration of time discussing the events for the coming the bounty of the land. The entry fee will be year. Traditionally the first event of the year items for sale such as produce, jams and was the Festival of the Falls. This has often jellies, etc., and the Friends of Fintry will been a great success, but some members of provide mulled cider, tea, coffee, and the Society have suggested that it is time for pumpkin bread. a change. With this advice in mind we have decided to move from the field in front of Early this Spring B.C. Parks contracted to the Octagonal Barn to the lawns of the have the veranda around the Manor House Manor House where we are planning a replaced. Their contractor has done a superb Spring Plant Festival on Saturday, May 14 job of removing the rotten old one, and has from 10 am to 4 pm. Garden Clubs, plant replaced it with a splendid new one that is growers and other vendors have been invited faithful to the old but is, I believe, better to join us. Plants and seeds will be on sale built. The old screening has now gone so together with arts and crafts by the residents the full splendour of the House‟s granite of the Westside. Local musicians will play walls can be clearly seen from the lawn. from the new Veranda, and children of all ages will be invited to play games on the Unfortunately since the Fall several Front Lawn. Lunch will be available from members of the Board have had to withdraw 12 noon to 1:30pm. from regular participation. As we now have several vacancies I invite Members of the On Saturday, July 16, 2011 we will Society, our Friends, to consider if they celebrate the 100th anniversary of BC Parks could find the time and energy to join us as with the inaugural Fintry Fair on the scenic Board members. Board members are lawns of the Manor House. The day will important in providing direction and begin with an Early-Bird Pancake breakfast practical support in the maintenance and (8:30am to 10:30am). At 10:30am the Fair continued development of Fintry. If you will be opened officially by „James Dun- think you might be interested, please email Waters‟ with the Kalamalka Pipe Band, and me at the address below. artists and artisans will open their booths to exhibit their work. Antiques and In his Curator‟s Report, Dan Bruce reports collectibles will also be offered for sale. A some of the very significant donations made BBQ lunch will be available from noon until to Fintry during the past six months. Our 1:30pm when the afternoon‟s musical budget may be very modest, but donations entertainment will begin. Friends of Fintry such as Dan describes allow us to continue and visitors are invited from the whole to upgrade the furnishing of the Manor Page 2 of 9
House in a splendid fashion. We are deeply grateful to our donors.
Also during the winter months Lee Cartier and students from Okanagan College have been working on the essential first steps of the development of a strategic plan for Fintry New Farm. In his report, Keith Duhaime describes some of the details of this work and plans for the future. We are all enthusiastic about re-introducing agriculture to Fintry, but this must be done Curatorial News carefully and in full consultation with our stakeholders. Our collections have grown apace over the last several months. In many instances it is Gwendy Lamont has been active in good to be able to report that new additions developing and delivering our educational are in the nature of up-grades, whereby outreach program during the winter months. pieces have been donated that are Her report suggests ways that members of significantly better examples than ones we the Society can assist in this important work. already had. This is particularly true of the collection of taxidermy that came to us from We shall shortly be calling for volunteers to Mrs. Shirley Goode and her family. Her late help us with the spring clean-up, and then husband, Al Goode had spent considerable with the events during the summer. In time in various parts of Africa on hunting addition we always need help in maintaining trips, and he had included a trophy room at regular tours of the Manor House and Barns. his house in Kelowna. A number of his Any help you can give us, especially on specimens are now in the collection at weekends, would be appreciated. If you Fintry. Every one of these is well would like get involved, please e-mail me at documented, and come with the required the address below. hunting permits and import permits issued by the various governments involved. The Finally, The Friends of Fintry Provincial taxidermy is of the highest quality, and so Park Society is holding its Annual General the Trophy Room at Fintry now has a Meeting on Saturday, June 11 at 1000 hrs in greatly improved exhibit. the Manor House. We need your support, The Trophy Room has also benefitted from and all are welcome. After the meeting, our the second generous donation from Geoff Curator will discuss the many new donations and Jane Harris, of West Willow Antiques, we have received. North Vancouver, this time an original oil painting by T. Plant of a stabled horse, to I wish you a happy summer in this replace the modern print that we had over wonderful part of the world, and hope that I the fireplace. This painting, dated 1834 is have a chance to meet many of you at Fintry extremely similar to the original one that in the coming months. James Dun-Waters had in that position. [email protected] Mr. and Mrs. Jim Klein of Kelowna have presented us with a superb collection of mid-Victorian English furniture. This includes several chairs, dressers, stools, a small fire-screen and cheval glass for a Website: http://www.fintry.ca Email: [email protected] Telephone: 250-542-4031 Page 3 of 9
bedroom. We have placed a Fintry New Farm number of these items throughout the Manor House, and will be placing more of them in Progress is still being made towards the due course. There has been a lot of re- establishment of Fintry New Farm. In positioning going on, and the whole effect is January, Keith Duhaime ventured to to make the house much more comfortable Victoria for several meetings in relation to in appearance. We are grateful to Gayle this project. Hay, of Kelowna for the gift of a dining room suite. The sideboard has been put in The first of these meetings was with Pascale place under the moose head in the dining Knoglinger with the Société de room, to replace the nice but inappropriate développement économique de la Colombie- Eastlake one that we had there. The Eastlake Britannique (SDEBC). Pascale is leading a piece will be transferred to the historic pilot project to expand the Economuseum Gibson House across the lake. The Gibson Network in to BC. The network is very House is in a RDCO park, and we are supportive of the development of projects assisting the RDCO in furnishing it. that facilitate the preservation of our Mr. Bernard Smit, a close neighbour of industrial arts and crafts, including those Fintry on Westside Road has donated a used in agriculture, and hence is very number of furniture items, including a large interested in seeing the return of agriculture sideboard, with a matching glass showcase, to the Fintry Estate. For more information all finished with walnut veneer. The their website can be found at showcase is unique, with special curved http://www.economusees.com/. glass side windows. It will be used initially to house a small exhibit for BC Parks 100th The second meeting Keith was involved in anniversary, featuring the connections was with Pam Copley, Community Heritage between Fintry and Monck Park in Merritt. Planner with the BC Ministry of Jobs, Tourism, and Innovation. Pam is very We are planning to re-establish a guest supportive of our vision for the Fintry New speaker tour program, in conjunction with Farm project and has pledged her support as the Lake Country Museum. This would it moves forward. involve having a guest speaker once a year to help bring public attention to Fintry and Finally, Keith also met with Megan LCM. More details of this will emerge in Beveridge, Land Management Permit Policy due course. Analyst with BC Parks. The meeting was very positive in establishing a basis for The re-building of the veranda at the Manor discussions moving forward in applying for House is well underway and the contractors an amendment to the Friends of Fintry park are doing a very careful job on it. BC Parks use permit to reestablish farming activities. have been in frequent consultation with us Megan did emphasize that we must always on historic details, and we are confident that be keeping the public interest at the the finished work will be most satisfactory. forefront of the project and always be A complete re-organisation of the basement considerate of how the Fintry New Farm storage area is planned once the re- project will enhance the experience for construction is complete. visitors to the park.
Dan Bruce, Executive Director In addition to the meetings that took place in [email protected] Victoria, students of Okanagan College have also been engaged in doing both secondary and primary research on key stakeholders
Page 4 of 9 and issues in the establishiment of the Fintry Bring a broom, a rake, etc. For the five New Farm. In the fall, 2010 semester, Rob events we always need volunteers to set up Moore took on the task of reviewing all tables, chairs, canopies, etc. Also, if there current literature relevant to the are any new volunteers who wish to become development of Fintry New Farm. From more involved with the society by this, a list of key stakeholders and issues participating as a member of the Board, were identified for further research in the please contact Michael Berry, spring semester. Under Lee Cartier‟s [email protected] supervision, students Tanja Tscherwanka and Jessica Zotto conducted a series of focus groups and interviews with the key stakeholders to explore these issues. It is expected that both reports will be available for review later this spring.
Finally, in preparation for restoring agriculture to the Fintry Estate, we are exploring a lease arrangement to rehabilitate the hayfields. Currently, our primary challenge to doing so is in securing suitable irrigation equipment. If anyone can assist in this regard, we would greatly appreciate Educational Outreach hearing from them. Our experienced, enthusiastic educator and In closing, anyone wishing to contact the Board member, Gwendy Lamont, can offer New Farm committee can do so at to students and teachers an educational [email protected]. program and kit, depicting the life of Captain James Dun-Waters and his Keith Duhaime, COEDC rep contribution to the Okanagan. The kit includes a stand-alone pictorial display, a CD and a DVD. The format includes Fintry Volunteers opportunities for discussions, group activities and writing. The presentation is To all the old for in-class viewing and supports science. volunteers, the
Board members of Gwendy gave presentations to classes in the Friends of Fintry School District 74 (Gold Trail) – a grade 6/7 say Thank You! We who were especially interested in the could not manage artifacts, and to a grade 2/3 class. The without you. With a artifacts displayed created good discussions. new year and our On April 12, Gwendy together with Dan calendar of events Bruce, our Executive Director, and Keith we not only need our Duhaime, Central Okanagan Economic past volunteers, but also any new volunteers Development representative, gave a who would be interested in helping out, even presentation to the Central Okanagan if it is only for one event. On April 30, we Naturalists‟ Club. On May 3, Gwendy will need volunteers to participate in the spring be giving a presentation to the Westside cleaning work party around and inside the Seniors. barn complex and around the Manor House.
Website: http://www.fintry.ca Email: [email protected] Telephone: 250-542-4031 Page 5 of 9
To enquire about a presentation, right into the job beginning each day by 7:00 am please contact: tearing down of the old rotten veranda and roof. Gwendy Lamont, (250) 769-7735, or (250) The new roof, with a slightly different pitch, is 455-6646, e-mail [email protected] or splendid with new shingles that match perfectly Dan Bruce (250) 766-2081, e-mail the old. Today there is a veranda with all new flooring that is almost ready for opening on [email protected], or contact th May 14 ,when the “Fintry Spring Festival” will [email protected] celebrate spring beginnings with the sale of An honorarium to the Friends of Fintry plants and seeds, arts and crafts, and of course a Provincial Park Society is requested for a BBQ lunch. Live entertainment will be presentation. presented from the veranda as the stage. The DVD of the Fintry story “Dun Waters Dream” will now be shown on the south side veranda in the glassed-in part that was previously set up as the potting shed. The new room will protect visitors from the often wet and windy days that the poor visitor often had to endure in the past.
Earlier this year a hiker found the partial remains of a large banded bird on the beach. We checked with Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service in Vernon, and they got in touch with the Patuxent Wildlife Research
The Manor House Center Bird Banding Laboratory. It was discovered that this bird was a Red-tailed hawk, What an interesting spring it has been around the banded in California on October 18, 1996. We Manor House. The snow flurries blew a bit but believe this is the same red-tailed hawk that has really not enough for safe cross country skiing. been seen for many years sitting atop a tall tree A work party is being organized to spruce up the near the overflow camping area. Marian always Manor House, the lands around, and of course, checked to see if it was there when she was out the barns. There has been much winter debris walking, but it has not been for some time now. left over from the winter storms. It is not just American tourists that we host here!
The time finally arrived for the rebuilding of the We look forward to having another busy season old Manor House veranda. The workers got in the park.
Page 6 of 9
About the Friends of Fintry
The Friends of Fintry Provincial Park Society (The Friends of Fintry) is a registered non-profit society under the Society Act of BC since 2000. The mission of the Friends of Fintry is,” to create an environment that allows park visitors and participants to engage in recreational and educational opportunities that develop a greater understanding of their heritage, the lifestyles of their forebears, and the household and farming practices, skills, and knowledge that sustained them.”
Most members of the Friends of Fintry are from the Okanagan Valley, but some come from as far away as California and Scotland. The Friends are involved in research, restoration of buildings and grounds, building the Fintry archives, work bees, fund raising, and restoring as many of Dun-Waters‟ belongings and activities as possible for public education and benefit.
Directors & Committees
Executive Michael Berry President Jennifer Hindle Vice President Anita Baker Secretary/Treasurer Dan Bruce Executive Director
Events Committee Jennifer Hindle (Chair) Michael Recknell Anita Baker Gwendy Lamont Dan Bruce
New Farm Committee Lee Cartier (Chair) Sandra Kochan Gil Wyse Dan Bruce Keith Duhaime (COEDC rep.)
Tours Committee Captain James Cameron Dun-Waters Dan Bruce (Chair) Gwendy Lamont Marian Blundell
Directors John Sugars Past-President Don Pegg Volunteers Dean Unger Publicity Paul Koroscil Newsletter Gwendy Lamont Education Sandra Kochan Grants Application Karen Bennison Memberships Marian & Peter Blundell Site Managers
Website: http://www.fintry.ca Email: [email protected] Telephone: 250-542-4031 Page 7 of 9
Annual Program
Each year the Friends of Fintry open the summer season with a festival in May. Hundreds of people Fintry Calendar of Events 2011 attend to enjoy music, booths offering food, books, jewellery and other exhibits, and many hike up the April 30: Work Party 400 steps to the top of Fintry Falls. During the day Spring Cleaning many visitors enjoy a tour of the Octagonal barn 10:00 – 16:00 hrs and Manor House, and some join Nature and Geology tours. In 2009, the Festival celebrated the May 14 Fintry Spring Plant Festival centennial of the purchase of the Fintry estate by 10:00 – 16:00 hrs James Dun-Waters and attracted over 600 visitors. In 2011, the Spring Festival will emphasize the sale June 11: Annual General Meeting and exchange of seeds and plants for spring 10:00 – 12:00 hrs planting. July 16: Fintry Edwardian Fair During July and August the Friends of Fintry Celebrating BC Parks 100th. organize an Edwardian Fair and a Pancake 08:30 – 16:00 hrs Breakfast. These attract many campers from the Park as well as visitors from along the West Side Aug 20: Fintry Pancake Breakfast Rd, Kelowna and Vernon. The season concludes 08:30 – 11:00 hrs with a Fireside Gathering celebration in October. Oct. 8: Fintry Fireside Gathering The Manor House and Barns are opened for tours 12:00 – 16:00 hrs on weekends in June, every day during July and August and again on weekends in September.
Contact Information
Friends of Fintry Provincial Park Society 7655 Fintry Delta Rd.
Kelowna, BC V1Z 3B2
Phone: (250) 542-4031 E-mail: [email protected]
Page 8 of 9
Friends of Fintry Society Membership Form
www.fintry.ca [email protected]
Membership Type: New:_____ Renewal: _____ Single: $10 _____ Family (2 Adults 3 Children): $25 _____ Group/Corporation: $50_____ Donation: $_____ Tax Receipts given for donations over $10.00
Name(s) ______Address ______City ______Postal Code ______Phone ______Email ______
I would be willing to help Fintry in the following capacities ___ Spring Plant Festival ___ Armstrong Fair ___ Gardening ___ Fintry Fair ___ Maintenance ___ Spring Cleaning ___ Fireside Gathering ___ Sewing ___ Volunteer Coordination
Mail to: Friends of Fintry Membership, c/o 2279 Westside Place, Kelowna BC, V1Z 3T5 Office Use: Membership card/receipt sent ______Info recorded______Date______
Website: http://www.fintry.ca Email: [email protected] Telephone: 250-542-4031 Page 9 of 9
Appendix B
Well logs for Wells 1 and 2
Project No: 2009-8305.010 Well I.D.: Well Plate No. 29316 Ground Elevation: ~ 349 m Client: RDCO / TRUE Consulting First Water: At ~ 3 m bgs Top of Casing Elevation: ~ 350 m Location: Fintry, BC Stabilized Water Level: 4.15 m bgs Reviewed by: Ryan Rhodes Location on site: Lot 19, Morden Road Logged by: Bryer Manwell Subsurface Geology
Well Details and Notes Well Construction Description Depth Symbol
ft m -5
0 Ground Surface SILT, SAND AND GRAVEL Casing Height: Dark brown silt, sand and gravel 30" (0.76 m) above ground 5 (rounded), moist, becomes wet at ~ 10'. Surface Seal: 10
Water table encountered @ ~10 ft 2" Bentonite surface seal to March 23 2010 (3 m). 15 ft (4.6 m). 4 2" Surface Seal 15
SAND 20 Dark brown, fine to medium sand, with fines, wet. 25 SAND AND GRAVEL Brown, medium to very coarse- grained sand and gravel, some 30 9 cobbles, trace fines, wet. Formation exhibits some variability over the 35 interval.
40 More fines 42-52' depth.
45 14
50
55
60 Coarser gravel from 61-77' depth. 19
65
70
Contractor: Dan-Gare Drilling Ltd. Operator(s): Logan Flett Drill Method: Air Rotary Date: March 16 - 23 2010 Boring Diameter/ Depth: 8"/144' Sheet: 1 of 2 Project No: 2009-8305.010 Well I.D.: Well Plate No. 29316 Ground Elevation: ~ 349 m Client: RDCO / TRUE Consulting First Water: At ~ 3 m bgs Top of Casing Elevation: ~ 350 m Location: Fintry, BC Stabilized Water Level: 4.15 m bgs Reviewed by: Ryan Rhodes Location on site: Lot 19, Morden Road Logged by: Bryer Manwell Subsurface Geology
Well Details and Notes Well Construction Description Depth Symbol
78 8" Steel Casing
83
88 27
Some fine sand, more fines from 93 Screen Assembly: 92.5-95' K-Packer 92-98' depth. Screen depth: 95 - 110 ft and riser assembly (28.95 - 33.53 m) 98 95-105' 80 slot screen
103 Screen Specs: Screen consists of three 5 ft 32 (1.52 m) sections of 7" 108 diameter stainless steel: 95 - 105-110' 60 slot screen SAND 105 ft is 80 slot, 105 - 110 ft Brown, fine to coarse sand with is 60 slot. 113 some to trace coarse gravel, some 110-113' Solid tail to trace fines, wet. pipe
118
37 123
128 Brown-reddish, high iron oxide reported by driller.
133
138 42 SAND AND GRAVEL Grey to black, medium to coarse sand and gravel, wet. 143 TILL Grey-blue till of gravel and sand 148 with a clay matrix, dense, wet. End of Borehole
Contractor: Dan-Gare Drilling Ltd. Operator(s): Logan Flett Drill Method: Air Rotary Date: March 16 - 23 2010 Boring Diameter/ Depth: 8"/144' Sheet: 2 of 2 Project No: 2009-8305.010 Well I.D.: Well Plate No. 17864 Ground Elevation: ~ 349 m Client: RDCO / TRUE Consulting First Water: At ~ 5 m bgs Top of Casing Elevation: ~ 350 m Location: Fintry, BC Stabilized Water Level: Reviewed by: Ryan Rhodes Location on site: Lot 19, Morden Road Logged by: Ryan Rhodes Subsurface Geology
Well Details and Notes Well Construction Description Depth Symbol
ft m -5
0 Ground Surface TOPSOIL Casing Height: Dark brown loam, medium-dense, 24" (0.61 m) above ground 5 moist. SAND AND GRAVEL Surface Seal: April 22 2010 10 Brown, medium to coarse sand and 2" Bentonite surface seal to gravel, trace to some cobbles, 4 18 ft (5.5 m).
15 trace fines, poorly sorted, wet. 2" Surface Seal
20
25
30 9
35
40
45 14
50
55
60 19
65
70 8" Steel Casing
75
24 80
Contractor: Robbins Drilling and Pump Ltd. Operator(s): Steve Robbins Drill Method: Cable Tool Date: April 6 - 15 2010 Boring Diameter/ Depth: 8"/157' Sheet: 1 of 2 Project No: 2009-8305.010 Well I.D.: Well Plate No. 17864 Ground Elevation: ~ 349 m Client: RDCO / TRUE Consulting First Water: At ~ 5 m bgs Top of Casing Elevation: ~ 350 m Location: Fintry, BC Stabilized Water Level: Reviewed by: Ryan Rhodes Location on site: Lot 19, Morden Road Logged by: Ryan Rhodes Subsurface Geology
Well Details and Notes Well Construction Description Depth Symbol
87
92
29 97
102
107
112 34
117 115-118' K-Packer and riser assembly Screen Assembly: 122 Continuous wire wrap screen 118-128' 100 slot screen from 127 118 - 144 ft (35.97 - 43.89) 39
128-134' Solid pipe 132 TILL Grey-brown, coarse sand, gravel 137 and cobbles in dense clay. SAND AND GRAVEL 134-144' 80 slot screen 142 Brown, fine to coarse sand with gravel and cobbles. 44
147 144-148' Solid tail pipe SAND 152 Grey , well-sorted fine to medium- grained sand. 157 SAND AND GRAVEL Grey-brown fine to coarse sand 49 162 and gravel with cobbles, fining downwards.
167 End of Borehole
Contractor: Robbins Drilling and Pump Ltd. Operator(s): Steve Robbins Drill Method: Cable Tool Date: April 6 - 15 2010 Boring Diameter/ Depth: 8"/157' Sheet: 2 of 2
Appendix C
Technical Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
North Westside Water System Fintry Groundwater Source Protection Project
Technical Advisory Committee
Meeting #1 Minutes
Monday June 13 10 a.m.
At Regional District of Central Okanagan, 1450 KLO Rd, Kelowna, B.C.
Invitees: Delphine Maja (RDCO), Rob Birtles (IHA), Keith Duhaime (FoF), Ryan Rhodes (WWAL), Doug Geller (WWAL), Solvej Patschke (MNRO), Erin Gunoff (BCParks)
AGENDA
1. Introductions 2. Review agenda (WWAL) 3. Review Groundwater Development Project (WWAL) and overall Water System Project (RDCO) 4. Review and discuss the Source Water Assessment and Protection Plan (WWAL) – Modules 1, 2, 7 and 8 of Comprehensive Source to Tap Assessment Guide (TAC) 5. Identify key background reports, other resources and contact names (TAC) 6. Scope of future meetings (TAC); and tentative timeline (TAC) 7. Committee member areas of responsibility and perspectives (TAC) 8. Next steps and future meetings (TAC)
Pre-meeting reading: May 2010 Well Completion Report (Summit), esp. Chapter 6 and Appendix E.
MINUTES Attending: Rob Birtles, Doug Geller, Delphine Maja, Keith Duhaime, Ryan Rhodes Regrets: Solvej Patschke, Erin Gunoff
1. Agenda reviewed and approved without modification. 2. Doug Geller and Ryan Rhodes reviewed the groundwater development project. This began with a 2007 feasibility study that confirmed an available groundwater resource on the Fintry Delta, and following award of grant funds to RDCO to design and build the North Westside Water System (NWWS), the groundwater development project began in early 2010. Two new wells installed on Morden Rd. RDCO purchased this lot after groundwater supply was confirmed. The two wells are relatively deep, in an unconfined aquifer, with very good water quality, and not surface water influenced (non-GWUDI). It is thought that there are minimal natural hazards threatening the groundwater quality at the wells. Human influences of potential concern include, mainly, the use of private sewage disposal (septic) systems and other potential sources will also be assessed. 3. Delphine Maja reviewed the status of the water system project, which is currently under construction. The well pump house has been built, and crews are currently laying main pipelines. The high reservoir is out to tender and the booster station is under construction. One unknown remains regarding whether or not service will be provided to the Fintry cottages (i.e. lower Fintry). This may not be resolved during the timeline of the source protection project, and so the assessment will consider two scenarios: a) Fintry water utility remains separate from NWWS and b) NWWS is extended to provide service to approximately 106 lots. 4. Doug Geller provided an overview of the source water assessment and protection plan. The approach being used is to follow Modules 1, 2, 7 and 8 of the Ministry of Health Comprehensive Source to Tap Assessment Guide. It is a goal that this plan be completed prior to initial operation of the new water system. The scheduled date to commission the system is late November 2011. This should be adequate time according to Rob Birtles. Modules 1 and 2 will be done first
3 (Module 1 was mostly finished during the well development project). Module 2 will take a closer look at potential contamination sources and create a hazard identification table that will be used later during the risk evaluation (Module 7). Recommended management actions to protect groundwater and water quality are developed in Module 8, in response to the risks identified in Modules 1, 2 and 7 and may include such things as education, public outreach, land use controls such as covenants and monitoring. 5. Key background reports include surface water data for Shorts Creek, assessments of Shorts Creek (e.g. Dobson reports), upland forest assessment reports if available, and the recent groundwater studies completed by Summit for the new wells. Keith Duhaime may have some information on Friends of Fintry plans for re-establishing farming in parts of Fintry Park. Farm use on lands south of Shorts Creek would likely be limited to a hay field. Delphine Maja will forward relevant background reports (one Dobson report provided at the meeting). 6. The next TAC meeting would be held, tentatively, late summer after Western Water produces a tech memo summarizing Modules 1 and 2. The TAC would be given the materials about two weeks before the meeting and asked to be ready to provide comments and input within that timeframe. A second TAC meeting would be held later in the fall to review Modules 7 and 8, with an eye toward wrapping up the plan and report prior to the end of November.
4 North Westside Water System Fintry Groundwater Source Protection Project
Technical Advisory Committee
Meeting #2 Minutes
Wednesday October 26, 2011 10 a.m.
At Regional District of Central Okanagan, 1450 KLO Rd, Kelowna, B.C.
Invitees: Delphine Maja (RDCO), Rob Birtles (IHA), Keith Duhaime (FoF), Ryan Rhodes (WWAL), Doug Geller (WWAL), Erin Gunoff (BCParks)
AGENDA
1. Introductions 2. Review draft report sent on October 5, 2011 to TAC members
DRAFT MINUTES Attending: Rob Birtles, Doug Geller, Delphine Maja, Keith Duhaime, Ryan Rhodes, Erin Gunoff
Most of the comments on the draft report were provided by Delphine and Rob, though Erin mentioned she would be providing a summary to BC Parks management prior to her temporary assignment ending later this fall.
Summary TAC discussions on the draft report: 1. The question of whether or not to embed the Source Assessment tables (A1 to A3) in the text or as an attachment was debated and the TAC settled on keeping them as attachments due to being multi-page. 2. Discussion on whether there is merit to separating instrinsic and anthropogenic risks; ultimately it was decided that the recommended risk management approaches address this. 3. RDCO noted re:water system details. The reservoir size is now 1,440 m3. 4. Report could use more discussion on the rationale for the recommended water quality monitoring; this will be addressed in final report. 5. The report could highlight the risks from septic systems and go further to discuss possible risk management option of requiring advanced treatment of septic effluent i.e. Type II or III systems. This will be addressed in final report. 6. Discussion on the adjoining 8 acre hayfield should include a possible Park Use Permit. More specific recommendations would be useful, for example to explicitly state no pesticides/herbicides or cattle grazing within the proposed APA. Avoiding irrigation and fertilizers also needs to be addressed in final report. 7. The report should closely coordinate information in Modules 2 and 8 so that RDCO can develop bylaws and reference the bylaws in future OCP i.e. which activities or applications would trigger referrals. Module 2 should mention that there are no existing multi-family properties with community sewage and Module 8 should provide a recommendation to keep it this way. 8. There was consensus that the Parks and Protected Area lands should be zoned CL8. It was also noted that groundwater protection and community water supply are consistent with CL8 zoning (post meeting note: per 5.3.1.2 of CL8 zone). 9. Final Report. A PDF of the final should be posted to the provincial Ecocat (Ecological Reports Catalogue).
3
Appendix D
RDCO Zoning Maps and Information
Regional District of Central Okanagan Page 2 of 3
http://www.regionaldistrict.com/rdco_main/ESRIDefaultTemplate/default.htm 23/09/2011
REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL OKANAGAN ZONING BYLAW #871 / ;?%7(,(< 3(, " 3> ;?% Purpose: To accommodate low density single family residential use with some associated uses.
(" ;<<(, (< 67(0>""8>?(
7.1.1 Permitted uses, buildings and structures: Bylaw .1 Single detached house; 871-13 .2 Home based business, standard; (see Section 3.19) Bylaw .3 Neighbourhood recreation and storage; 871-25 .4 Bed and breakfast accommodation; (see Section 3.23) Bylaw (see Section 3.17) 871-125 .5 Accessory buildings and structures. .6 Day care centre, minor
"(% 7 <;>?< 67(0>""8>?( Column 1 Column 2 7.1.2 Minimum parcel area 700 m2 (7,535 sq. ft.)
7.1.3 Minimum parcel frontage 18.0 m (59.0 ft.)
7.1.4 Minimum front setback 4.5 m (14.8 ft.)
7.1.5 Minimum side setback 1.5 m (4.9 ft.)
7.1.6 Minimum corner side setback 4.5 m (14.8 ft.)
7.1.7 Minimum rear setback 3.0 m (9.8 ft.)
7.1.8 Minimum setbacks from A1 Zone 15.0 m (49.2 ft.) [see section 3.11]
7.1.9 Maximum parcel coverage 35% of the parcel area
7.1.10 Maximum number of single detached houses 1 per parcel
7.1.11 Minimum building width of principal 5.5 m (18.0 ft.) building 7.1.12 Maximum building height: .1 Principal buildings 9.0 m (29.5 ft.) to a maximum of 3 storeys .2 Accessory buildings and structures (see Section 3.17) 5.0 m (16.4 ft.)
PART 7 Single Detached Housing 7-1 REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL OKANAGAN ZONING BYLAW #871 $ " " 7 " Purpose: To accommodate agricultural and rural uses on parcels that are 30 hectares or greater and located outside the Land Reserve. (" ;<<(, (< 67(0>"" 8>?( 6.1.1 Permitted uses, buildings and structures: .1 Agriculture including intensive agriculture; .10 Kennels, Service (permitted only on 4 ha. or larger)* .2 Agri tourism; .11 Kennels, Hobby (permitted on properties under 4 ha)* Bylaw .3 Agri tourist accommodation; (see Section *(Check with RDCO Dog Control Bylaw) 871-25 3.24) .12 Veterinary clinic; .4 Single detached house; Bylaw .13 Accessory buildings and structures (see Section 871-51 .5 Accessory home; (see Section 3.18) 3.17) Bylaw .6 Winery and cidery .14 Greenhouses 871-96 .7 Home based business, major; (see Section .15 Temporary agricultural worker dwellings;may 3.21) include a recreational vehicle only to accommodate the .8 Bed and breakfast accommodation;(see household of an agricultural worker or caretaker. (See Section 3.23) Section 3.25). Bylaw .9 Portable saw mill and portable shake mill; .16 Day care centre, minor. 871-125
"(% 7 <;>?< 67(0>"" 8>?( Column 1 Column 2 6.1.2 Minimum parcel area 30 ha (74.12 acres) 6.1.3 Minimum parcel frontage 30.0 m (98.4 ft.) 6.1.4 Minimum front setback 6.0 m (19.7 ft.) 6.1.5 Minimum side setback 3.0 m (9.8 ft.) 6.1.6 Minimum corner side setback 4.5 m (14.8 ft.) 6.1.7 Minimum rear setback 3.0 m (9.8 ft.) 6.1.8 Minimum setbacks from the parcel line for: .1 intensive agriculture 100.0 m (328.1 ft.) .2 buildings housing animals (other than intensive 15.0 m (49.2 ft.) agriculture) .3 kennels 15.0 m (49.2 ft.) .4 greenhouses 15.0 m (49.2 ft.) 6.1.9Minimumside and rear setback for buildings with Height of the building minus 6.0m heights greater than 9.0 m and located on parcels [e.g. 12.0 m – 6.0 m = 6.0 m setback] adjacent to an R or RC1, R3A, R3B zone 6.1.10 Minimum setbacks from A1 Zone 15.0 m (49.2 ft.) [see section 3.11] 6.1.11 Maximum parcel coverage 10% of the parcel area Bylaw 871-194 6.1.12 Maximum number of single detached houses 1 per parcel and accessory homes where permitted under this Bylaw 6.1.13 Maximum building height: .1 Principal buildings 12.0 m (39.4 ft.) .2 Accessory buildings and structures. (See Section 3.17) 8.0 m (26.2 ft.)
PART 6 Rural Land Uses 6-1 REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL OKANAGAN ZONING BYLAW #871 $ > ?<"@"(;,(?<; 7 " Purpose: To accommodate rural residential, limited agricultural, and limited home industry uses on parcels of land that are 0.5 hectare or greater and located outside the Land Reserve. (" ;<<(, (< 67(0>"" 8>?( 6.4.1 Permitted uses, buildings and structures: .1 Agriculture excluding intensive agriculture; Bylaw .2 Single detached house; 871-25 .3 Hobby kennel; Bylaw .4 Home based business, standard; (see Section 3.19) 871-51 .5 Bed and breakfast accommodation; (see Section 3.23) .6 Accessory buildings and structures. (see Section 3.17) Bylaw .7 Greenhouses 871-125 .8 Day care centre, minor "(% 7 <;>?< 67(0>"" 8>?( Column 1 Column 2 6.4.2 Minimum parcel area 0.5 ha (1.24 acres.) 6.4.3 Minimum parcel frontage 30.0 m (98.4 ft.) 6.4.4 Minimum front setback 6.0 m (19.7 ft.) 6.4.5 Minimum side setback 3.0 m (9.8 ft.) 6.4.6 Minimum corner side setback 4.5 m (14.8 ft.) 6.4.7 Minimum rear setback 3.0 m (9.8 ft.) 6.4.8 Minimum setbacks from the parcel line for: .1 hobby kennel 15.0 m (49.2 ft.) .2 buildings housing animals 15.0 m (49.2 ft.) .3 greenhouses 15.0 m (49.2 ft.) 6.4.9 Minimum side and rear setback for buildings Height of the building minus 6.0 m and structures permitted under Section 3.9, [e.g. 12.0 m – 6.0 m = 6.0 m setback] Bylaw Height Regulation Exceptions, and located on 871-96 parcels adjacent to an R or R3 zone. 6.4.10 Minimum setbacks from A1 Zone 15.0 m (49.2 ft.) [see section 3.11] 6.4.11 Maximum parcel coverage 20% of the parcel area 6.4.12 Maximum number of single detached houses 1 per parcel 6.4.13 Minimum building width of principal 5.5 m (18.0 ft.) building 6.4.14 Maximum building height: .1Principal buildings 3 storeys to a maximum of 9.0 m (29.5 ft.) .2 Accessory uses, buildings and structures (see Section 3.17) 5.0 m (16.4 ft.)
PART 6 Rural Land Uses 6-4 REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL OKANAGAN ZONING BYLAW #871 $! 777><> ?<"@ " ! "(;,(?<; 7 Purpose: To accommodate rural residential and limited home industry uses on smaller parcels of land that are 2500 square metres or greater and located outside the Land Reserve.
(" ;<<(, (< 67(0>"" !8>?(
6.5.1 Permitted uses, buildings and structures: .1 Single detached house; Bylaw 871-25 .2 Home based business, standard; (see Section 3.19) .3 Bed and breakfast accommodation; (see Section 3.23) Bylaw .4 Accessory buildings and structures. (see Section 3.17) 871-125 .5 Day care centre, minor
"(% 7 <;>?< 67(0>"" !8>?( Column 1 Column 2 6.5.2 Minimum parcel area 2,500 m2 (26,911 sq. ft.)
6.5.3 Minimum parcel frontage 30.0 m (98.4 ft.)
6.5.4 Minimum front setback 6.0 m (19.7 ft.)
6.5.5 Minimum side setback 3.0 m (9.8 ft.)
6.5.6 Minimum corner side setback 4.5 m (14.8 ft.)
6.5.7 Minimum rear setback 3.0 m (9.8 ft.)
6.5.8 Minimum setbacks from A1 Zone 15.0 m (49.2 ft.) [see section 3.11]
6.5.9 Maximum parcel coverage 20% of the parcel area
6.5.10 Maximum number of single detached houses 1 per parcel
6.5.11 Minimum building width of principal 5.5 m (18.0 ft.) building
6.5.12 Maximum building height: .1Principal buildings 3 storeys to a maximum of 9.0 m (29.5 ft.) .2 Accessory uses, buildings and structures (see Section 3.17) 5.0 m (16.4 ft.)
PART 6 Rural Land Uses 6-5 REGIONAL DISTRICT OF CENTRAL OKANAGAN ZONING BYLAW #871 Bylaw 871-178 Purpose: To manage lands and watercourses where protection and conservation of the natural environment is the principle objective and to permit passive recreational uses where appropriate.
5.3.1 Permitted uses, buildings and structures: .1 Conservation area; .2 Ecological reserve, flood hazard, groundwater protection, or community water supply area; .3 Erosion or sediment control; .4 Interpretive centre; .5 Forest or wilderness oriented recreation and wilderness purposes including campsites where the use exists prior to March 17, 2008; .6 Open space; .7 Silviculture for purpose of forest health or fire hazard reduction; .8 Water, fisheries and wildlife, biological diversity and culture heritage purposes. .9 Accessory Building or Structures (see Section 3.17)
Column 1 Column 2
5.3.2 Minimum parcel area 1 hectare (2.5 acres)
5.3.3 Minimum setback from watercourse 30 m (98.4 ft.)
5.3.4 Minimum setbacks from parcel boundaries 4.5 m (14.8 ft.)
5.3.5 Minimum setbacks from A1 Zone 15.0 m (49.2 ft.)
5.3.6 Maximum parcel coverage 5% of the parcel area
5.3.7 Maximum building height: .1 Principle buildings 9.0 m (29.5 ft) .2 Accessory uses, buildings and structures (see Section 3.17) 5.0 m (16.4 ft.)
PART5ResourceLandUses 5-3