After holding onto it for a senior partner, a local government is now preparing to offload a narrow strip of property that is being eyed as an addition to Okanagan Falls Provincial Park.
The 2,800-square-metre site at the southwest corner of the park was purchased out of foreclosure two years ago for $175,000 by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen with the intention of later flipping it to B.C. Parks.
RDOS community manager Mark Woods said the deal was arranged because the property went on the market between B.C. Parks’ budget cycles, but both partners wanted it preserved for public use, rather than sold to a private buyer.
Since the RDOS acquired the site, B.C. Parks has spent $20,000 to remove debris and a dilapidated building from the property, Woods added.
B.C. Ministry of Environment spokesman David Karn said in a statement the property “will be a welcome addition to the small and busy park,” which currently has 25 campsites.
“Plans for the additional land have not yet been confirmed but could include development of additional camping opportunities,” Karn said.
The RDOS board voted last week to sell the land to B.C. Parks, but is required by law to first first publish its intentions in a local newspaper. Woods expects the deal to close later this summer.
The agreed-upon sale price is $177,538, which includes costs incurred by the RDOS.
The property is currently assessed at $108,000, down from $229,700 in 2012.