Cranbrook’s Baker Park is officially larger, and the city will look for public input on future improvements in the park space and housing.
City officials say the move reduced the size of the RV campground and separated the Senior’s Centre and City’s Pressure Reducing Station (PRV) into individual lots.
Mike Matejka, Director of Engineering and Development Services said the changes implemented to the park area were started in 2023.
“About a year ago, the city looked at legally dedicating the park space. This is one of those spaces that used, functioned and invested in as a park, but it wasn’t legally dedicated,” explained Matejka.
Having Baker Park legally dedicated gives it some level of protection and cannot be changed unless a city bylaw receives approval from residents.
“The city is not able to use or dispose of that space without certain public processes,” said Matejka.
“We foresee that being used as a park in the long-term and we want to protect that space to make sure it’s there for public use.”
City council has also approved a $50,000 budget to create a Baker Park Master Plan, which will be made using public feedback.
“We really hope to get out and engage with the community. We want to see what they envision for the future of that park space,” said Matejka.
“It has a lot of great recreation value, but it also has some great value from an environmental perspective, with the creek in the area. There’s some opportunity to do a lot of good work in that area. We look forward to reaching out to the public and having them be a really strong part of the vision for that park space.”
The engagement process will likely start in late 2024 or early 2025.
On Monday, city council will consider the possibility of adding more housing near the park through BC Builds.
City officials say this could take up the vacant land between the two Baker Gardens Senior Housing complexes.
Matejka says if it becomes a reality, it will not encroach on the park space.
“If anything, we’re hoping any development around the Baker Park area would further allow the city to look into investing and planning for the future of that park space,” explained Matejka.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
