City of Kelowna & Regional District of Central Okanagan Mountain Bike Strategy
Excutive Summary:
This Mountain Bike Strategy provides land managers in the Kelowna area of the Okanagan with information and recommendations
for the management and planning of Mountain Bike related recreation. The study area includes the Kelowna City boundaries,
as well as outlying areas used by mountain bikers including lands within the Regional District of the Central Okanagan, BC
Parks, and areas on the Westside frequented by Kelowna area riders. The Strategy’s study area covers 107,527 ha (1075 km2)
and includes approximately 482 km of mapped trails.
The development and maintenance of trails and trail systems within the Strategy area is an essential part of recreation services
provided by the City of Kelowna, the Regional District, and BC Parks. In response to the increasing demand for bicycle related
recreational experiences in the Kelowna area, the City of Kelowna and the Regional District of the Central Okanagan retained
Cascade Environmental Resource Group to assist with the development of a Mountain Bike Strategy.
The goal of the Strategy is to develop a safe, environmentally responsive non-motorized trail network facilities that fit within
the context of existing park and natural area uses. Appropriate trail and facility designs are essential to protecting natural
areas from adverse impacts to the environment and to ensure safe, enjoyable riding experiences by the public. Mapping of ecologically
sensitive areas allows planners to focus resources in low sensitivity areas and trail design recommendations ensure trails are resistant
to the wear and tear of repeated use.
The Mountain Bike Strategy was developed via a consultation process with the project Steering Committee that included staff from the
City of Kelowna, the Regional District, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, and BC Parks. In addition, community interests
from the mountain bike community, outdoor recreation groups, and the tourism sector contributed specific recommendations for the Mountain
Bike Strategy. Since trails and parkland are enjoyed by a diverse range of users and trails overlap with several land management authorities,
this Strategy will be most effective if a coordinated and cooperative implementation approach is taken by all interested or affected parties,
including City of Kelowna, Regional District, BC Parks, provincial land managers, local community recreation groups, and residents of Kelowna.
The Kelowna Mountain Bike Strategy includes a comprehensive review, with the provision of strategic direction on the following topics:
• Identification of existing mountain biking amenities and facilities that will both enhance the off-road cycling trail experience and provide
the mountain bike community with some alternative cycling experiences.
• Identification of potential bike facility locations based upon the development and application of mountain bike facility development principles,
a site suitability matrix, and public consultation via several public forums targeting the principle user group demographics.
• Review of traditional trail planning, design, and management challenges; these include trail use conflicts, liability issues, trail resources,
and environmental impacts. This section employs a natural resource assessment approach to address trail planning, design, and management challenges
whereby background information is reviewed, specific issues are identified, and specific management actions are recommended to address each issue.
The Mountain Bike Strategy provides strategic direction for the realization of a coordinated, sustainable and environmentally responsive network of trails, bike facilities, and amenities across the project area to be managed for the benefit, health, enjoyment and prosperity of Kelowna residents and visitors alike.
Sample Maps:
| Biogeoclimatic Zones |
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| Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory |
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| Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory - Gillard Zoom |
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| Potential Skills Park Proximity Analysis |
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| Potential Skills Park Site Map |
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| Dave Williamson testing some of the Kelowna terrain |
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| A group of Kelowna youth observing the CERG open house display. |
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To see the City of Kelowna & RGCO Open House presentation click here
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