CPAWS-BC supports the Okanagan Nation Alliance in moving forward on national park
CPAWS-BC supports the Okanagan Nation Alliance in moving forward on the
proposed South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park
Vancouver – Yesterday the Okanagan Nation Alliance and the four South Okanagan bands asked the Government of British Columbia to return to talks with the Okanagan Nation and the Government of Canada to consider the establishment of a national park in the South Okanagan-Similkameen. The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society BC Chapter (CPAWS-BC) is encouraged by and strongly supports the position of the First Nations.
“This is one of the most critically endangered ecosystems in Canada,” stated Chloe O’Loughlin, Director of Terrestrial Conservation for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. “We applaud the Okanagan Nation and its bands for their continuing collaboration with Parks Canada and agree that this national park should move forward. Not only are national parks important for nature protection, they are also crucial for protecting First Nations culture and provide a strong economic benefit to the surrounding region.”
Earlier this month, B.C. Environment Minister Terry Lake stated that the proposed South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park did not have enough local support at this time. The federal government cannot proceed without the support of the Province.
The federal government, under leadership of Environment Minister Peter Kent, remains supportive of the national park. A national park provides the highest form of nature protection in Canada, while significantly increasing jobs, visitor spending, and tax revenue.
“We urge Minister Lake to take a solutions-oriented approach, support the First Nations and provide the leadership required to establish a national park that will benefit nature as well as significantly improve the economy and develop hundreds of jobs,” said O’Loughlin.
Regional support for the national park is strong within the community. In 2010, a McAllister public opinion poll showed that at least 63% of the citizens of the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District want a new national park. As well, 3,200 tourism operators and businesses have written to the Premier stating their clear support.
Recent data from Parks Canada shows that a national park in B.C. provides annually, an average of $37 million in tax revenue and 20 – 25 directly park related jobs; in addition, a national park supports 570 indirect jobs in the community and approximately $49 million per year in visitor spending. And all of this is possible because revenue for national parks comes from outside our Province as the federal government funds national parks.
CPAWS-BC is committed to working with the Okanagan Nation Alliance and both the federal and provincial governments to ensure this treasured landscape remains protected forever.
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For more information: Chloe O’Loughlin, Director of Terrestrial Conservation, Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society at 604-685-7445 ext 33 or 604-512-0428 (cell)
View CPAWS backgrounder on proposed National Park at http://cpawsbc.org/campaigns/south-okanagan-similkameen
Comments
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One would have to be dilusional to believe the economic impacts of this proposal. Recently a small hardware store changed hands in Keremeos. I wonder if Chloe and CPAWS thought the new owner went to Penticton and divided the income of Rona, WalMart, HomeHardware and divided it by 3 to figure out how much he would make at his new hardwarestore in Keremeos. That’s the rational Chloe uses. And not learning from her friends at Parc’s Canada she speaks and writes openly about First Nations….how rude. Just because we live in the sticks doesn’t mean we are dumb…please!!!!
By Ernie Marven on Apr/16/2012
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You are so wrong on this Park. The majority of the people most affected DO Not support a National Park local people do not want it. Your support comes from people that do not live here. You have so much wrong information in regards to employment created by this, boost to economy,etc. etc. Even our motel operators are not in favor.
You say it will be paid for by the Federal Government, who do you think the Federal Government is??? Is it not us the taxpayers.
Don’t understand just what part of NO you cannot comprehend. Leave us alone, we can manage our ecosystem quite nicely, always have.
By Alyce Coggan on Mar/16/2012
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Recent data from Parks Canada shows that a national park in B.C. provides annually, an average of $37 million in tax revenue and 20 – 25 directly park related jobs; in addition, a national park supports 570 indirect jobs in the community and approximately $49 million per year in visitor spending.The preceeding is a direct copy from your site. My question is - Which park is it referring to, as it does state “that a national park in B C” - This wording is therefore relating to a specific park or is intended to muddy the waters with assumptions. So I would like to know which. Thanks.
By r j lundy on Feb/21/2012
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