The Regional District of Central Kootenay is exploring the possibility of establishing the West Creston Ferry Landing as a regional park to support its continued use as a public recreation area.
The Creston Dyking District, which currently controls and operates the 6.45-hectare property, has asked the RDCK to take over its management.
RDCK Regional Manager of Recreation and Client Services Kristi Calder said the site is already used informally by the community.
“The intent is to formalize the existing use of the site and support its ongoing management and maintenance as a public recreational area.”
The property, located at 2012 Kootenay River Road, is entirely within the Agricultural Land Reserve. It was previously home to a cable ferry connecting West Creston with the town of Creston and the wider valley before Highway 3 was built across the Creston Flats.
The site currently includes a boat launch, informal fire pit and parking.
The RDCK has submitted an application to the Agricultural Land Commission seeking authorization to lease approximately 1.2 hectares of the property for a regional park.
Calder said no significant changes to the site’s recreational use are being proposed at this stage, and no decisions have been made about potential fees, new rules or improvements.
“We are simply at the initial step of submitting the application to the ALC to seek authorization to lease about 1.2 hectares of the property for a regional park,” said Calder.
The commission’s application process can take up to four months. If approved, the RDCK would move into park planning, providing an opportunity to consider how the site could be managed in the future.
There’s still a long way to go before the site could become a regional park, but Calder said the RDCK wants to explore options to support its continued use by the community.
“The RDCK is sharing this update because the site is important to the community, so the organization is exploring options to support its continued recreational use and maintenance,” said Calder.
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