Green Space Development Committee Update — Working Together to Enhance Our Community

On Thursday, July 23, a group of KV residents formed the Green Space Development Committee on behalf of the KVCA. Led by Ray Fontaine, the committee brings together volunteers committed to enhancing our community’s green spaces.

Committee members are Ray Fontaine, Jeff Smith, Shelley Dingreville, Bruce Dingreville, Alan Agate, and Rene Lavoie.

Priority Areas

The committee has identified four priority areas for improvement:

• •The large green space along Koocanusa Lake Drive in Strata 771, leading toward Lake Koocanusa.
• •The gravel area across Koocanusa Lake Drive from the large green space.
• •The green space adjoining Strata 771 properties within the Crystal Lake development.
• •The Mid-Terrace green space in Strata 832.

Phase 1: Fall 2026

The first phase will focus on installing irrigation systems in the two primary green spaces along Koocanusa Lake Drive before winter. A limited amount of site preparation will be required before the irrigation lines can be installed.

Some shallow trenching could start in these areas as early as Thursday, August 20. This will be a short-term effort, and we ask that if possible people avoid these areas while the work is carried out.

Phase 2: Early 2027

In cooperation with KV Properties Inc., the committee plans to:

• •Connect the Crystal Lake irrigation lines to the three large, connected green spaces.
• •Remove the temporary water-supply lines.
• •Install battery-powered irrigation controllers.
• •Assess the timing, resources, and objectives for improvements and irrigation at the Mid-Terrace green space in Strata 832, including the potential removal of vehicle access.

Beginning in early 2027, irrigation water for the large Strata 771 green spaces and the Crystal Lake development will be supplied by Crystal Lake. Water withdrawn for irrigation will be naturally replenished by the lake’s dedicated deep underground wells — helping maintain lake levels while providing an excellent source of untreated irrigation water, a significant long-term benefit supporting the ongoing stewardship of Crystal Lake.

Project Approvals

The KVCA Board of Directors has approved funding for the project, as it falls within the existing budget for development initiatives.

Strata Councils have approved the project plan, as the work involves greening up existing planned green spaces and does not include any above-ground infrastructure or a change in land use that would require Strata owner review.

Community Support

To keep costs as low as possible, the committee hopes that much of the work can be completed through volunteer labour and donated equipment, particularly for trenching and other site preparation. KV Properties Inc. has offered to assist where possible in moving the project forward.

We look forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses. Thank you to everyone contributing their time, skills, ideas, equipment, and support to make these improvements possible.

Interested in Helping?

If you would like to volunteer your time or equipment, please contact a member of the Green Space Development Committee. Your support will help maximize the value of community funds and create attractive, sustainable green spaces for everyone to enjoy for years to come.

— Green Space Development Committee (GSDC), The Board of the KVCA