The provincial government plans to build 100 campsites at Fintry in the next few years. There are 50 now. They also plan to continue building new hiking paths.
The marina is to be built with Ridgeview Estates just south of Fintry. The marina breakwater will be built of environmentally friendly Candock components. Each module is 40.6 by 49.5 centimeters and fit together like lego. Gas has not yet been applied for.
Perhaps the largest terraced RV park in North America is being built at Fintry. August 1998 photo.
The 360 hectare park should be open to the public by this summer. Don Gough, BC Parks district manager, says they are now trying to repair a bridge so the campground can be in operation this summer. It was purchased in December for $7.68 million, with $2 million of that from the Central Okanagan Regional District. Battles between Okanagan and Shuswap natives the earliest inhabitants of that land, are believed to have occurred there, and the first European-Canadian to settle there was Thomas D. Shorts in 1883, so protection of heritage and cultural values are a priority, noted Gough. In 1909 the property was purchased by James Cameron Dunwaters. He named the site after his family estate in Scotland. He built a large stone walled manor house and other houses and farm buildings. One was circular so cattle could be fed from a central spot. He built a hydro generating plant on Shorts Creek and an extensive irrigation system. In 1939 the property was sold to Fairbridge Farms School. In the 60's the manor house was extended and a second story added -- seven bedrooms each with its own bathroom--.
It'll be and exciting park to visit, for more than just camping and day use, but also for hiking, nature observation, boating and swimming," Gough commented. Park wildlife include the Shorts Creek California Big Horn sheep herd, which is on the verge of extinction, deer, eagles, coyotes, bears and Kokanee, which spawn in Shorts Creek. Gough said the park will ultimately be managed by B.C. Parks, but the planning process will involve the regional district and local Indian bands, and a private park consultant may also be retained.
Map of Kelowna and Fintry Park
s@sunnyokanagan.comThis page has been accessed:
since November 27, 1997
