New public opinion poll reveals strong and growing support across the region
Osoyoos, BC.– An independent poll showing wide-spread and growing local support for the proposed South Okanagan-Similkameen national park was released this morning by the South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Network. During the 5-year period since an identical telephone survey was last conducted, the poll found local support for the park increased significantly from 2:1 in favour to over 3:1, and opposition to the national park had reduced markedly to just 21% opposed.
“It is extremely gratifying to see that there is a strong majority of support for the park and that it is continuing to grow,” said Doreen Olson, coordinator of the National Park Network. “We live in an environmental hotspot, a hidden treasure that is different from anywhere else in Canada. People here know that it is a special place and understand a national park is the best way to protect our amazing landscape and critically endangered wildlife.”
The poll, conducted during the week of March 9 – 13, found support was strong regardless of which political party people normally supported, and that 79% of ranching and farming households and 67% of households that participated in riding ATVs and snowmobiles also supported the national park proposal.