A vital part of Okanagan history is being enhanced for future generations.
The provincial government will pump $1,.5 million into the 1911 manor house at Fintry Provincial Park off of Westside Road.
“It’s a real gem and this is a real chance to celebrate the history of the place,” said Mary Polak, environment minister.
Upgrades include $700,000 to reconstruct the interior of the manor house, which was constructed by James C. Dun-Waters, commonly known as the laird of Fintry.
Dun-Waters bought the land in 1909 and he was known for his cattle herds and orchards.
The interior reconstruction work — a new meeting room, caretaker’s suite, office space and an accessible washroom — will completed in 2016.
Other upgrades include waterfall trail staircase repairs, a new sani-station and a new water system reservoir.
Fintry Provincial is 360 hectares in size and along with heritage buildings, it includes 101 campsites and beach along Okanagan Lake.
“It’s a beautiful park and any enhancements that make the visitor experience more enjoyable are welcome,” said Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA.
The upgrades at Fintry are part of more than $13 million the government is spending on B.C. provincial parks in 2016/17.
“We’re making priorities to enhance and maintain our parks system,” said Polak.