On April 2, 2012 the Osoyoos Town Council made a motion to take a position on the National Park. Osoyoos Town Council initiated this process by writing a request to Ministers Bell and Lake asking that the Town of Osoyoos be briefed on the results of the National Park Feasibility Study Report that was submitted to the Province in December 2010 and that the Province share the results to the public. The National Park Feasibility Study was done back in 2008 but to date results have not been made public.

Last Thursday the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen Board of Directors had unanimous vote in support of having the National Park Study results released. Mayor Wells comments, “Having access to these results is crucial for stakeholders in order to make an educated decision and deciding next steps.”

Wells letter also referenced how The National Park would provide significant economic, tourism, and business benefits and job development opportunities to the Region and Towns, and as such the Town of Osoyoos’ and insisted that The Province of BC participate in formal discussions with the Government of Canada regarding the proposed South Okanagan Similkameen National Park.

During Thursdays RDOS meeting the Board of Directors also voted in favour of the Province re-engaging in formal discussions the Federal Government.

In addition, the Okanagan Nations Alliance bands have been engaging their communities and seeking a common vision for a Syilx/Parks Canada protected area. These bands have urged both the governments of Canada and BC to revisit their decision to discontinue talks related to the National Park.

Mayor Wells concluded “Now that all stakeholders are in agreement in requesting these results hopefully they will be provided in a timely manner to our community for review.” Osoyoos Town Council have suggested that a referendum would be appropriate to ensure everyone’s votes counts and believe that the study results will support people with making an educated decision.