Friends of the South Slopes Society

The Friends of the South Slopes Society (FOSS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for, maintaining, and enhancing recreational trails and natural areas across the South Slopes of Kelowna, British Columbia. Founded in 1996, FOSS operates as a volunteer-based society focused on sustainable outdoor recreation and environmental preservation.

History and Purpose

The origins of FOSS date back to November 1997 when a group concerned with the management of Crown Lands on Kelowna's South Slopes formed to develop a plan balancing recreational use and environmental conservation. The "South Slopes" area encompasses lands between Myra Canyon and the eastern boundary of Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park. Initially established to promote orderly recreational development and preservation, FOSS was formally incorporated in February 1996 and has since expanded its mandate in partnership with government agencies.

Activities and Partnerships

FOSS engages in constructing and maintaining public facilities, trails, and signage across key recreational areas including Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park, Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park, and the Kettle Valley Railway corridor. The organization has a longstanding partnership with BC Parks, formalized through various agreements starting with a Volunteer Group Agreement in 2004 and evolving into a Park Use Permit and then a Partnership Agreement. These collaborations enable FOSS to undertake approved stewardship projects on public lands responsibly.

In 2022, FOSS assumed responsibilities from the Myra Canyon Trestle Restoration Society, expanding its role to include stewardship of the Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) trail and its historic trestles—key heritage and recreational landmarks attracting visitors worldwide. This expansion has further strengthened FOSS’s commitment to providing diverse recreational opportunities and enhancing trail connectivity throughout the South Slopes region.

Membership and Community Engagement

FOSS’s membership is composed of a broad spectrum of trail users, including mountain bikers, hikers, trail runners, equestrians, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The society relies heavily on its volunteers who participate in trail crew activities and stewardship projects, contributing to the upkeep of hundreds of kilometers of trails.

Community involvement is encouraged through membership programs, volunteer trail maintenance crews, and public education efforts. FOSS also collaborates with multiple partners such as the Regional District of Central Okanagan, the City of Kelowna Parks Department, and the Provincial Recreation Sites & Trails branch to advocate for land acquisition, trail access, and sustainable management practices.

Legal Status and Recognition

Friends of the South Slopes is a registered Canadian charity (Business Registration Number 897976320RR0001) recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency. This status enables the organization to fundraise and operate within the legal frameworks governing Canadian nonprofit entities, ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations.

Friends of the South Slopes Society continues to serve as a steward and advocate for the natural environment and recreational infrastructure on Kelowna’s South Slopes, fostering a legacy of sustainable outdoor experiences for current and future generations.[1][2][3][4][5]