West Bench property donated for park
Walter Bonin enjoyed watching his family grow up and make memories on his West Bench property, now he wants everyone to be able to do the same.
A 3.4-hectare portion of his property in West Bench was donated to the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen to be used as park land.
“It’s a beautiful view property and if the right things happen there, it will be a beautiful park for all to enjoy,” said Bonin, who has owned the land since the late 50’s. “We really enjoyed living up here and I’m pleased to be able to offer it as long as it is designated parkland so everyone will be able to enjoy it forever.”
The RDOS directors voted unanimously to accept the donation of land from 320 Newton Drive. The property is described as wedge-shaped with a deep gully overlooking Okanagan Lake right along the Kettle Valley Railroad trail.
Bonin said he would like to one day see a baseball diamond on the plot of land that he said is close to a sewer hookup and possibly could have a secondary road down to the highway.
The electoral Area F Official Community Plan encourages the preservation and enhancement of the natural resources for recreational and tourism purposes; while having regard for the visual impact on the landscape, natural and heritage features, environmentally sensitive areas and surrounding land uses. Area F will accept any legal fees or future costs associated with the donated land.
“My whole family thought it would be a good idea to do this and it was a good place for it,” said Bonin, who co-owns the land with his children. “We wanted to give something back.”
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