The City of Â鶹AV is moving forward with the next phase of upgrades to City Park, issuing a request for proposals (RFP) to complete Phase 3 of the project.
This includes new pathways, upgrades to the Sail Fountain, refurbishment of the Ogopogo sculpture, relocation of the dog beach, installation of new benches and lighting, enhanced landscaping, improved water access near the Cenotaph Plaza, foreshore improvements, and related utility upgrades.
A 2017 engineering report, included with the RFP, notes that the lakeside walls protecting the shore show signs of wear, cracking, and some undermining caused by wave action. While the walls currently remain stable, repairs will be necessary to prevent further erosion. Potential solutions include placing riprap rock, wire baskets filled with rock, or concrete blocks along the bases of the walls.
New walls and stairs will be designed with guidance from geotechnical and structural experts.
The project also includes procedures for managing any archaeological discoveries during construction to protect heritage sites and honour local Indigenous communities, ensuring all legal and cultural responsibilities are met.
Approvals and input from provincial and federal agencies are required to protect Okanagan Lake and its aquatic life.
Construction is expected to begin in October 2025 and be completed by May 2026, with a budget of $8 million.
At council's June 23 meeting, Infrastructe Delivery Manager, Brian Beach, noted that the project had been sent to an RFP a few months ago.
"It was too big--it was too complex...it scared away a lot of bidders," he said. "We only got two submissions, they were both well over budget."
Beach said the project has been simplified to only include the City Park section.
Separately, the city has issued an RFP for the design and construction of the City Park Swim Venue, which is part of the Phase 3 work.
The Swim Venue will feature swimming lanes, a diving platform, floating docks, seating areas, informational panels highlighting Â鶹AV’s history and Indigenous heritage, and environmental restoration along the waterfront.
The project aims to extend the City Park boardwalk, creating a continuous waterfront path connecting Hot Sands Beach, City Park, and Kerry Park.
It has an estimated budget of $2 million, with construction planned to start in the summer of 2026 and finish by spring 2027.
