Greater Vernon now owns a new chunk of parkland as well as future residential lots.
The Regional District of North Okanagan board finalized the purchase of the BX ranchlands property Wednesday.
“It’s a part of the history of our area,” said Mike Macnabb, director.
“It provides a connection between our parks.”
Specifically, there will be a trail link between BX Ranch Park on BX Road and the Mutrie Road dog park, as well as Black Road Park.
The 166 acres were acquired for $2.3 million and 40 acres will be kept for public use, while the remainder will be sold for residential lots as a way of recouping some of the purchase price.
Macnabb says the decision to sell most of the site was made by other GVAC partners and he ultimately hopes the entire property can be retained.
“We have to convince the partners,” he said.
“We have support for that from the naturalists club and the BX-Swan Lake Community Association. It would be a huge asset.”
It’s not known when the new trail network could be open to the public.