Mount Benson Regional Park - Parking Infrastructure Project
Consultation has concluded
Learn about the Mount Benson Parking Infrastructure Project, the process to date, and the next steps.
How you can be involved and find out more:
Please register (tab at the top of this page). By registering you will be kept up-to-date with progress on the Mount Benson Parking Infrastructure Project through our electronic communications.
Want to learn more?
Please see the context map and parking lot design in the document library to have a better understanding of the project.
See the Frequently Asked Questions to find answers to some common questions.
You can also visit Mount Benson Regional Park for more information about the history and current management of the park.
Share your comments or questions with the project team by posting on the GuestBook.
Check out What's New for updates as the project moves along.
There used to be road access to the top of Mount Benson. Hiking is currently the only option to get to the top. When making your plans, why do you not care about the physically challenged and the older demographics that live in the area and would love to go to the top.
Thank you for getting in touch. The idea you raise is not new and was considered in the 2010 Management Plan for Mount Benson Regional Park. A link to the document is here:
https://www.rdn.bc.ca/cms.asp?wpID=1930
(see section 5.6) Opinions on improved accessibility to the park via a road were generally split. The outcome in the management plan is:
Policy 7:
Public road access to Mount Benson Regional Park will not be actively pursued by the RDN during the term of this management plan. However, the RDN may consider proposals from private interests for road, gondola or other forms of access into the Park or to its boundaries, subject to rigorous and extensive assessment of: impacts on the environmental and visual integrity of the Park; socio economic impacts in the surrounding area; and full business case scenario planning.
Some of the considerations with the idea include the surrounding private land - there are no public roads that could be used - road access to the top of the mountain is over private land. Secondly, the park itself is protected by a Conservation Covenant that aims to ensure that any changes in the park will not harm natural habitats and natural values. The concept of a parking lot would have to be considered in light of the conservation commitments on the property.
Parking lot will be used by those physically able to climb Mount Benson. How about those of us in the community that are not able to climb Mount Benson yet wish to benefit from the park . A parking lot at the top would be a great asset to many of us in the community. It would also be an iconic tourist attraction for all.