The District of Houston is taking the first steps in a long planned and long desired comprehensive update of Bymac Park's amenities and infrastructure.
Underway now is the construction of a replacement boat launch.
"This launch will feature an armour flex concrete structure, specifically designed to provide a wider and more stable surface for boaters, allowing for a safer, easier launching experience—especially for those looking to enjoy fishing in the area," said Scott Sanders, the newly-hired major projects manager for the District of Houston.
He describes the launch as the first step toward a broad vision for the park which is as popular with local residents as it is with tourists.
Additional upgrades are planned next year, Sanders added.
That list includes the development of full-service camping sites equipped with power, sewer, and water connections, as well as the addition of washroom and shower facilities, he said.
"The funding of $100,000 for this work has been allocated through a BC Rural Dividend grant, as part of our ongoing commitment to improving public spaces for residents and visitors alike," Sanders added of the new boat launch.
In addition to amenity and infrastructure improvements, the District of Houston council updated it usage and fee policy in relation to using the campsites and this past summer hired caretakers to better manage the campsites.
A Bymac redevelopment master plan from consultants Urban Systems sketched out a comprehensive series of improvements.
Those include:
- improved signage
- interpretative signs or a kiosk
- better parking with a circulation pattern better to accommodate RVs and vehicles pulling boat trailers.
- 13 rustic campsites
- 12 partially serviced RV campsites containing water and power but now sewer
- a shower and washroom building
- a day use area with small rustic playground
- walkways and pedestrian paths
- wildlife proof waste bins
- minor landscaping.
The camping area now contains nine unserviced sites.
As of late 2023, Bymac improvements had a forecast cost of $1.827 million to be financed by $1 million from the provincial jobs, economic development and innovation ministry, $62,172 from a grant already received from the Northern Development Initiative Trust, $507,828 from the District’s own cultural and recreational reserve account and $257,659 from the District’s accumulated surplus.
