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,” said Mayor Stu Wells. “I am so pleased that municipalities around the province have supported us. The park is a win-win situation. This is overwhelming support.”
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,” Wells said. “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.”
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