South Okanagan Similkameen National Park

Canada’s national, provincial and territorial parks represent a vital conservation of our natural heritage, are a special contributor to our sense of identity and place, and serve crucial ecological purposes. These parks play an important role in BC’s economy, particularly in substantial and recurring sources of economic stimulus through tourism.

Beginning in 2003, a joint federal-provincial steering committee began an in-depth assessment of the feasibility of establishing a national park reserve in the South Okanagan –Lower Similkameen. The report confirmed that the Proposed National Park is feasible and recommended approval of a proposed park reserve boundary at a conceptual level.

The benefits of the proposed national park would include:

• Increased employment;
• stimulus for land development, business starts and expansions;
• a boost in domestic and international tourism;
• opportunities for First Nations economic participation; and
• economic diversification.

Importantly, there are essentially no costs to the provincial government moving forward with the Proposed National Park.

Since the steering committee’s report was submitted, the federal government has waited for the provincial government to follow the recommendation of the steering committee and take the next step.

The Chamber believes the Provincial Government should sign an Agreement to Negotiate with the Government of Canada that will conclude a fair and equitable feasibility process to determine the economic impact of a national park in the South Okanagan Lower-Similkameen.

Statement issued by SO Chamber of Commerce June 10th on National Park