BC's PROVINCIAL PARKS UNDER ATTACK AGAIN BY GORDON CAMPBELL (Update)

Here is an update from WCWC. The UBCM overwhelmingly oppose development in BC parks.

Last Friday, in a surprising and nearly universal show of opposition, mayors and councillors from across British Columbia voted against the BC government's controversial initiative to allow resorts and hotels in provincial parks. The vote, on the last day of the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Annual General Meeting held in Victoria, saw over 95 percent of municipalities and regional authorities reject plans for the proposal.

Before the vote, Whistler, Victoria, Kelowna, Comox, the District of North Vancouver, Nelson and the Central Coast Regional District took the floor and spoke against the BC government's Roofed Accommodation Strategy. The speakers cited concerns about negative impacts on existing tourism businesses, erosion of wilderness values within parks, and lack of public consultation.

It's clear the majority of citizens and communities are opposed to the initiative to privatize and develop our world class parks system. Lodges and resorts should be appropriately situated in gateway communities where they will benefit local residents and stimulate local economies.

Our provincial government's attention should be on protecting our parks, not on trying to introduce hotels and resorts into them. BC needs an adequately funded park system, with safe trails, rangers back in our parks, a return of interpretive staff and programs, and parking meters removed. Tell your MLA how strongly you feel about BC's protected area system. You can find you local MLA at: http://www.legis.gov.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm

Or contact

Premier Gordon Campbell
Room 156
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC
V8V 1X4

Phone: 604 660-3202
premier@gov.bc.ca

Send us a copy at parklovers@wildernesscommittee.org.

Gwen Barlee
Policy Director

More information on parks: http://www.wildernesscommittee.org/campaigns/policy/parks