Park use and regulations

Hours of operation

Dogs in parks

• Always pick-up pet waste and dispose in garbage bins.
• Dogs are required to be on a leash, if allowed (check park signage).
• Leashed dogs are restricted to trails and walkways within parks unless otherwise posted.
• Dogs are not allowed in any body of water or wetland adjacent to or within a four-metre corridor of any trail.
• Use the My Dog Matters app to locate dog parks.

Be prepared

How to dress

Wear appropriate footwear. Wear reflective gear to be visible. Dress in layers. Dress for the weather.

What to bring

Always carry a daypack filled with essentials including additional clothing, in case you need to stay out longer than planned.

In winter or icy condition, consider traction devices and poles for balance.

Park safety

Unfortunately, thieves strike where people gather. Leave your valuables at home, or take them with you. Don't forget to lock your car.

Hike safely

Plan your trip and stick to the plan. Share your plan with a friend or family member to assist emergency personnel if you don't return on time.

Stay on marked trails.

Carry out what you pack in.

Seasonal conditions

Regional Parks are open to visitors year-round. Some vehicle entrances are closed from approximately November 1 to March 31. See individual park pages for more information. Park visitors may experience seasonal, weather-related, and natural hazards. Park visitors may experience weather-related and natural hazards.

Reduce human-wildlife conflict

You are sharing this natural area with wildlife. Stay alert. Wildlife may be in the area. Watch for signs. Do not approach or feed wildlife. Keep a minimum viewing distance.

Park permits

Park space is available for everyone to enjoy, but there are some types of activities and facilities within the park that require a permit, such as weddings, large gatherings, reserving a picnic shelter, and special events like runs and races.

Applying for a park use permit.

Park bylaws

• Regional Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1427 - to regulate the use of regional parks: park hours, conduct, interaction with nature, pets and other park use.
• Community Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1431 - to regulate the use of community parks. The regional district maintains and operates smaller community parks in the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West Electoral Areas. 
• Parks Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1428 - for park use permit fees and charges for regional parks services and facilities with the Regional District of Central Okanagan.

Park use  and special event permit

Apply for a park use or special event permit

Permit holder responsibility

The permit holder is required to ensure the site area is appropriate for the activity; the activity is conducted in a safe, orderly manner; the activity is restricted to the assigned area; and the event activities do not interfere with other park users.

Regulations

All activities in the park must adhere to Regional Parks Regulatory Bylaw No. 1427.

Smoking

Smoking and vaping are not permitted in any RDCO Regional Park.

Cancellation

The RDCO reserves the right to cancel an event or activity due to unforeseen circumstances and will not be responsible for any costs or damages as a result of the cancellation.

Food service

All food service providers require a food service permit from Interior Health Authority.

Insurance

A $5 Million Liability Insurance Certificate for the event that names the “Regional District of Central Okanagan” as additional insured must be provided or purchased with the permit.

Alcohol

A person must not possess or consume liquor in a regional park without legally required permits, including a valid park use permit allowing that activity. Liquor service must meet BC Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB) requirements.

Property damage

Any property damage which occurs during the permitted event, including set‐up or take‐down, is the responsibility of the permit holder. Damage to park property should be reported immediately.

Staking

Staking/ground penetration is NOT permitted for any temporary structures.

Power/electricity

There is NO electrical power available in the park. Generators are allowed but must adhere to regulations under the BC Safety Authority Act.

Electrical permit

Under the BC Safety Authority Act, a temporary electrical operating permit is required when using electrical equipment for temporary use and when the supply is greater than 5kVA (i.e. generators). Contact Technical Safety BC for more information on electrical permit requirements.

Notice to area

Permit holder must notify impacted residents/business in writing at least one week prior to event.

Chairs

Chairs must have rounded bottoms – no chair legs that can break the surface of the grass.

Tents

Tents must be secured with sandbags/weights (not stakes or pegs). Pegging, staking/ground penetration is not permitted for any temporary structures.

Roping area

No roping off or restriction of public access to any area within the park.

Vehicles

Vehicle access or gate access into parks is not permitted – all equipment must be carried by foot to the site.

Portable toilets

One portable toilet for every 50 people is required and is to be arranged and paid for by the permit holder. Toilets must be removed from site immediately following the event.

Sound

Amplified sound is not permitted in any RDCO Regional Park – sound systems are allowed at a volume that does not disturb the peace or enjoyment of the park users in the area.

Garbage removal

All garbage/recyclables generated by the event must be removed from the event site or charges will apply.

Traffic management

Permit holder is to fulfill requirements of their approved traffic management plan that addresses parking, access, and exit requirements.

Safety plan

Permit holder is to fulfill requirements of their approved safety plan that includes emergency personal on site, emergency exits, and safety access areas.

The permit holder's initials to agree to Site Management Terms and Conditions.

It is recommended that you read and understand Regional Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1427 and the Regional Parks Services and Facilities Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1428 to ensure that your event can be run in accordance with the regulations.

Picnic shelters

Book a picnic shelter

Permit holder responsibility

The permit holder is required to ensure the site area is appropriate for the activity; the activity is conducted in a safe, orderly manner; the activity is restricted to the assigned area; and the event activities do not interfere with other park users.

Regulations

All activities in the park must adhere to Regional Parks Regulatory Bylaw No. 1427

Smoking

Smoking and vaping are not permitted in any RDCO Regional Park.

Cancellation

The RDCO reserves the right to cancel an event or activity due to unforeseen circumstances and will not be responsible for any costs or damages as a result of the cancellation.

Food service

All food service providers require a food service permit from Interior Health Authority.

Insurance

A $5 Million Liability Insurance Certificate for the event that names the “Regional District of Central Okanagan” as additional insured must be provided or purchased with the permit.

Alcohol

A person must not possess or consume liquor in a regional park without legally required permits, including a valid park use permit allowing that activity. Liquor service must meet BC Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (LCLB) requirements.

Property damage

Any property damage which occurs during the permitted event, including set-up or take-down, is the responsibility of the permit holder. Damage to park property should be reported immediately.

Staking

Staking/ground penetration is NOT permitted for any temporary structures.

Power/electricity

There is NO electrical power available in the park. Generators are allowed but must adhere to regulations under the BC Safety Authority Act.

Electrical permit

Under the BC Safety Authority Act, a temporary electrical operating permit is required when using electrical equipment for temporary use and when the supply is greater than 5kVA (i.e. generators). Contact Technical Safety BC for more information on electrical permit

Requirements.

Notice to area

Permit holder must notify impacted residents/business in writing at least one week prior to event.

Chairs

Chairs must have rounded bottoms – no chair legs that can break the surface of the grass.

Tents

Tents must be secured with sandbags/weights (not stakes or pegs). Pegging, staking/ground. Penetration is not permitted for any temporary structures.

Roping area

No roping off or restriction of public access to any area within the park.

Vehicles

Vehicle access or gate access into parks is not permitted – all equipment must be carried by foot to the site.

Portable toilets

One portable toilet for every 50 people is required and is to be arranged and paid for by the permit holder. Toilets must be removed from site immediately following the event.

Sound

Amplified sound is not permitted in any RDCO Regional Park – sound systems are allowed at a volume that does not disturb the peace or enjoyment of the park users in the area.

Garbage removal

All garbage/recyclables generated by the event must be removed from the event site or charges will apply.

It is recommended that you read and understand Regional Parks Regulation Bylaw 1427 and the Regional Parks Services and Facilities Fees and Charges Bylaw 1428 to ensure that your event can be run in accordance with the regulations.

By purchasing a booking contract, the permit holder agrees to the terms and conditions listed

above.

Weddings

Book a park for a wedding

Available at

Bertram Creek Regional Park

• 680 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna
• Washrooms
• Playground
• Swimming beach

Kopje Regional Park

• 15490 Carrs Landing Road, Lake Country
• Playground
• Washrooms
• Beachfront

Regulations

All activities in the park must adhere to Regional Parks Regulatory Bylaw No. 1427.

Alcohol/smoking

Alcohol, vaping, and smoking are not permitted in any RDCO Regional Park.

Cancellation

The RDCO reserves the right to cancel an event or activity due to unforeseen circumstances and will not be responsible for any costs or damages as a result of the cancellation.

Food service

Food vendors/service is not permitted in any RDCO Regional Park – wedding permit is for ceremony only – no reception or catering is allowed.

Insurance

A $5 Million Liability Insurance Certificate for the event that names the “Regional District of Central Okanagan” as additional insured must be provided or purchased with the permit.

Litter

No littering or throwing confetti, rice, or birdseed which can endanger animals in the park. Bubbles and flower petals are permitted but must be cleaned‐up immediately after the event.

Garbage removal

All garbage/recyclables generated by the event must be removed from the event site or charges will apply.

Staking

Staking/ground penetration is NOT permitted in any RDCO Regional Park.

Power/electricity

There is NO electrical power available in the park. Generators are allowed but must adhere to regulations under the BC Safety Authority Act.

Electrical permit

Under the BC Safety Authority Act, a temporary electrical operating permit is required when using electrical equipment for temporary use and when the supply is greater than 5kVA (i.e. generators). Contact Technical Safety BC for more information on electrical permit requirements.

Chairs

Chairs must have rounded bottoms – no chair legs that can break the surface of the grass.

Tents

Tents must not exceed 10' x 10' in size – no pegging, staking/ground penetration permitted for any temporary structures – use sandbags/weights to hold down tents.

Roping area

No roping off of any area or restriction of public access to an area within the park.

Vehicles

Vehicle access or gate access into parks is not permitted – all equipment for the wedding must be carried by foot to the site.

Portable toilets

One portable toilet must be arranged and paid for by the permit holder for weddings with 50‐75 people. Toilet must be removed from site immediately following the event.

Sound

Amplified sound is not permitted in any RDCO Regional Park – music for the ceremony is allowed at a volume that does not disturb the peace or enjoyment of the park users in the area.

Property damage

Any property damage which occurs during the permitted event, including set‐up or take‐down, is the responsibility of the wedding permit holder. Damage to park property should be reported immediately.

Damage deposit

A $300 damage deposit is collected at the time of booking and will be refunded to the permit holder after a site inspection is done by staff and it is confirmed that there is no mess left or damage to the site. Any repair costs will be deducted from the damage deposit.

By purchasing a booking contract, the permit holder agrees to the terms and conditions

listed above.

It is recommended that you read and understand Regional Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 1427 and the Regional Parks Services and Facilities Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1428 to ensure that your event can be run in accordance with the regulations.