South Okanagan Similkameen National Park Resolution Passes at UBCM

Osoyoos, BC – A resolution put forward by the Town of Osoyoos, at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) 2014 convention with regard to the South Okanagan National Park Reserve was approved today.  Resolution B-122 resolved “that the Provincial Government sign an Agreement with the Government of Canada to continue formal discussions regarding a proposed South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park.”

Osoyoos, BC – A resolution put forward by the Town of Osoyoos, at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) 2014 convention with regard to the South Okanagan National Park Reserve was approved today.  Resolution B-122 resolved “that the Provincial Government sign an Agreement with the Government of Canada to continue formal discussions regarding a proposed South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park.”

“My Town Council unanimously supports the establishment of the proposed National Park.  I am so pleased that municipalities around the province have supported us.  The park is a win-win situation. This is overwhelming support.”Quote - Mayor Stu Wells 

The process to create a national park was placed on hold in 2010 when the Province of British Columbia walked away from negotiations with the federal government, citing the need to see more evidence of local support.  

“With the approval of the UBCM resolution today, and similar resolutions from the BC Chamber of Commerce, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and Okanagan Nation Alliance along with numerous public opinion polls showing 2-1 support for the park, the evidence is clear and undeniable.  On behalf of all these groups I am calling on the Premier and Minister of the Environment to re-engage in the park establishment process.”  Quote -Mayor Stu Wells  

A new National Park in the South Okanagan – Similkameen would protect and restore one of the rarest and most endangered ecosystems in Canada.  In addition to protecting this unique landscape, it would also bring significant economic benefits to the region, enhance the tourism industry, strengthen business, and develop new jobs in local communities and the rest of the Province.”  

The South Okanagan Similkameen is home to 57 of BC’s endangered species including the Badger, Yellow-breasted Chat and Burrowing Owl.  A proposed national park in the South Okanagan-Similkameen would protect more species at risk, more endangered habitat types, and encompass a greater diversity of ecosystems than any national park in Canada. The park would also be an important boost to the local economy providing hundreds of new jobs.