This is the second and final article in a series commemorating Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park’s 50th anniversary, focusing on park planning and opening. Click here to read the previous post.
Following the provincial government’s announcement in April 1975 that it would purchase over 2,200 acres of the Coldstream Ranch for public use, local involvement remained key in shaping the future of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park.
A major public planning meeting was held in August 1975 at Vernon Senior Secondary School. Chaired by BC Parks Director Tom Lee (who would later become the first CEO of Parks Canada) the forum drew about 250 participants. There was widespread agreement that the new park should prioritize conservation while allowing for low-impact recreational use such as hiking and horseback riding. Lee emphasized that the province had no predetermined plan and that public input would be essential to the park’s development.
Vernon City Council and the Regional District of the North Okanagan (RDNO) echoed these priorities. At an RDNO board meeting in August of 1975, Vernon Alderman Frank Williamson presented a report from Planning Director Peter Tassie, which underscored the need to preserve natural features “unimpaired for the benefit, education, and enjoyment of others,” with particular attention to the “quality and beauty of any flora and fauna.”
During the transition period, public access to the land continued, now under the supervision of BC Parks rangers. Visitors continued to enjoy familiar areas such as Cosens Bay and Juniper Bay, though now with greater oversight. There was even a brief public debate over naming, with “Cosens Bay Park” floated as an option before the Provincial Cabinet officially adopted “Kalamalka Lake Park” in September 1975.
Environmental conservation remained a guiding principle. Certain areas of the park were set aside to protect rare species, including bunchgrass, and further planning involved both citizens and ecological experts. The Parks Branch developed four potential concepts for park development. Concepts 1 and 2, which focused on limited development and ecological preservation, received the strongest public support—backed by 78% of survey respondents.
Despite this early momentum, detailed park planning slowed until 1983, when an official advisory committee was created. The following year, the committee’s plan was adopted, paving the way for phased development. Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park officially opened in 1986.
Throughout the process, the North Okanagan Naturalists’ Club remained an influential advocate for environmental sensitivity and public engagement. Coldstream Municipal Council, while refraining from direct recommendations, continued to request updates, balancing its duty to residents with the broader public interest.
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park stands as a remarkable example of cooperative land-use transition. Its creation was made possible by an uncommon alignment: a conservation-minded landowner, an informed and passionate public, responsive provincial leadership, and supportive local governments. Though the journey involved debate and negotiation, a shared commitment to preservation ultimately carried the day.
on July 5, BC Parks & the Friends of Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park will celebrate Kal Park’s 50th anniversary with a public event at the Juniper Beach picnic area from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and join in honouring this cherished local treasure. ‘Protect Where U Play’
Archives Manager, Gwyneth Evans