Summerland’s new council will review final concept designs of waterfront plans for Gordon Beggs Rotary Beach, Peach Orchard Beach and Horse Beach on Monday, deciding whether it is the right guideline for future work. The plan was initiated to explore and address sixteen relevant recommendations outlined in the 2018 Parks & Recreation Master Plan and provide an overall vision and direction for waterfront parks, including the replacement of the Kiwanis Pier. The objectives of the Waterfront Concept Plan are:
Provide a long-term vision for these public parks and waterfront. Provide guidance on park management and habitat protection; Set priorities for improving park amenities and Providing implementation recommendations for the next 10-15 years.
Lees & Associates took over the contract proposal in November 2021. Work was done by conducting a site analysis, shoreline condition review, waterfront safety review and two rounds of community engagement.
The Waterfront Concept Plan outlines a set of proposals for park design and management improvements that the District of Summerland will pursue over the next 15 years. Some recommendations have been designated as a higher priority, such as the Kiwanis Pier and bathroom upgrades, while others can be implemented over time as funding allows. The main objectives outlined in the plan are:
Improve waterfront connections Improve universal accessibility Improving the safety of water recreation users Protect and enhance the coastal environment Direct and manage the use of the waterfront by animals
District staff emphasized that the plan is not a spending commitment, as those decisions are made by Council through the budget planning process.
Decisions to implement any of the high priority recommendations from the Waterfront Concept Plan will be discussed later as part of the 2023-2027 Financial Plan discussions. The full plan can be viewed on Summerland Council’s afternoon agenda here.
