Residents of the Okanagan Valley will soon have an additional 2.83 hectares of parkland to enjoy - the result of a land grant from the B.C. government's Sponsored Crown Grant program. The announcement was made today by Kelowna-Mission MLA and Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson and Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Bill Bennett.

The land - with an assessed value of $473,700 - fills a gap in the Mission Creek Greenway Regional Park. The land allows Kelowna to complete a network of trails running along the creek side.

Quotes:

Steve Thomson, Kelowna-Mission MLA and Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations -

"Kelowna is a great community, and this additional land improves an existing network of parks and green spaces. Supporting the expansion of the Mission Creek Greenway Regional Park is another example of the B.C. government's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all British Columbians."

Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development -

"We are pleased to provide Kelowna with this Crown land for the expansion of trails, playgrounds and other recreation amenities - it's another perfect opportunity to provide the means for a healthy and active lifestyle, as well as showcase this beautiful part of the province."

Walter Gray, Mayor of

"The greenway is used by countless Okanagan Valley residents, visitors, and wildlife. The government's generous grant of Crown land will allow us to complete the jewel in the Central Okanagan Regional District regional park system."

Quick Facts:

* The Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development has yearly allocations to sponsor Crown grants or nominal rent tenures for local governments and community organizations.

* The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations manages the land transfer process once a sponsoring ministry agrees to sponsor a grant of Crown land.

Learn More:

For more information on sponsored Crown grants and nominal rent tenures and links to other sites with information, visit:

http://www.cscd.gov.bc.ca/lgd/gov_structure/sponsored_crown_grants/index.htm

Contacts:

Brennan Clarke

Public Affairs Officer

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

250 356-5261

Jeff Rud

Communications Director

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

250 208-4028

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect