The role of civic organizations in regional parks governance, a case study on Kelowna, B.C.

The governance between civic organizations and local governments plays a fundamental role in preserving, planning, and managing urban green spaces. Regional Parks are crucial because they are closely linked to urban development in mid-sized cities. These urban green spaces balance ecological conservation with recreational and community needs. This exploratory study examines the role of civic organizations involved in the governance of regional parks in Kelowna, British Columbia. Additionally, it explores the collaboration of civic organizations with local governments and how this governance structure serves the public. This study investigates how these partnerships influence decision-making, policy implementation, and long-term park sustainability. The research identifies key governance dynamics, including formal and informal collaborations, shared responsibilities, and challenges such as resource constraints and communication barriers. The analysis includes findings that are important for the planning, implementation, and management of collaborative arrangements in regional parks in Kelowna. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, civic organizations, urban planners, and the general population. The findings offer practical recommendations to enhance collaborative governance. These insights contribute to more effective regional park management, fostering sustainable urban development and environmental preservation. The study’s recommendations are tailored to Kelowna and the Regional District of Central Okanagan. Nonetheless, the framework is applicable to other mid-sized cities facing comparable dynamics between natural and built environments and stakeholders.