PROJECT UPDATE

We’re excited to share that the development of the new community park in Yale is nearly complete. We invite your input on one of the final steps of the project … choosing the park name!

Since the beginning of this project, the FVRD has been working closely with the Province and local First Nations to secure a Crown land tenure for the park site. As part of this process, the Province completed consultation with First Nations, and approval of the land tenure was granted to the Regional District subject to three conditions. These conditions are outlined below and continue to guide this project:

• Ongoing collaboration with Yale First Nation in all aspects of the project is required.
• Archaeological work at the site must be supported by Sto:lo Resource and Research Management Centre, as the area has high archaeological potential.
• Engagement with Yale First Nation is required to help determine the park name and ensure culturally appropriate signage.

Through early discussions with the Province and Yale First Nation, it was emphasized that the park name should reflect a strong sense of community and honour the many cultures that have shaped Yale—past and present. It was also noted that the name should not focus on a single individual family as there are many long standing families that have contributed to the community of Yale.

We know there is strong community interest in the park’s name, and we welcome your ideas and perspectives. At the same time, the final name must align with our Provincial tenure conditions and represent the shared vision of a name that reflects community, history, and inclusivity. Community input, including petitions and survey responses, will be carefully considered with this lens.

Final elements:

• Cultural artwork for the park is being completed in collaboration with Yale First Nation.
• Interpretive signage and the kiosk sign is currently being developed and will be installed on the sign posts already placed throughout the park

DRAFT PARK DESIGN

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Yale Community Park Concept Design Survey. What we heard from the community helped inform the draft park concept design now being shared. We invite you to review the draft concept and share your feedback through the survey linked below. Your input will help guide refinements to the park concept as the project moves forward.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Yale is a deeply rooted cultural landscape, rich in history and significant in the formation of British Columbia. For generations, the Fraser River has been at the heart of community life. Indigenous communities gathered along its banks for salmon fishing, drying, and trade, as well as for cultural and seasonal activities. During the gold rush, Yale continued as a lively hub and provisioning town for miners travelling along the Fraser. Chinese workers and merchants also played a vital role in Yale’s growth, contributing to its economy, building infrastructure, and leaving a lasting cultural legacy. Today, the town remains a special place for families and neighbours.

The proposed Yale Community Park builds on this history and aims to establish a safe, welcoming, and accessible public space. The park is intended to be a lasting community asset that provides opportunities for passive recreation and gathering, and reflects both the values of the community and Yale’s long standing cultural connection to the Fraser River. The plan for the park is rooted in a community focused vision: to balance environmental protection, historical interpretation, and public access in a way that enhances the overall community environment.

OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN

The creation of a waterfront community park in Yale has been part of the community’s long-term vision, as outlined in the Electoral Area B Official Community Plan (OCP). The OCP identifies a park on Front Street as a community priority, with the goal of creating a space that both protects the natural environment and reflects the history of Yale. A waterfront park can provide enhanced opportunities for a community gathering space and scenic enjoyment. The OCP emphasizes that any park along the waterfront should retain the lands in a natural state and serve as a focus for protecting and interpreting the historic sites, the history of Yale and of the Province.