By ROY WOOD

By the narrowest of margins, Oliver Town Council on Monday adopted a motion to “support the province of BC” in efforts to protect natural areas and endangered species.

The controversial idea of a national park in the South Okanagan was not mentioned in the motion, but it was at the centre of the lengthy and lively debate in council chambers.

Sponsor of the motion, Councillor Jack Bennest, described it as simply an indication of the town’s support for “the work of our local MLA and the provincial government.”

Opponents suggested that it clearly endorses the position of MLA Linda Larson, who unequivocally opposes to the proposal for a national park in the South Okanagan.

The motion, titled Living together with respect, reads:

“That the council of the Town of Oliver supports the Province of BC in its endeavors to acquire land to protect the area’s grasslands, to preserve endangered species in the South Okanagan-Similkameen and in setting goals to enhance off-season tourism opportunities.

That council encourages more dialogue with First Nations people, local stakeholders and other non-governmental organizations towards the goal of better managed local wilderness areas by working cooperatively with all governments in Canada.

That council encourages the use of the great outdoors for the historic and traditional use of many areas or ranching, hunting, business and recreation – a use of the great out doors in a responsible manner with reasonable regulations in all sectors.” 

The original motion in included mining and forestry among the traditional uses, but they were removed at the suggestion of Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger.

The central protections in the motion are the same as those put forward by proponents of a national park.

Mayor Ron Hovanes said he struggled with the proposal. “We are being asked to take a position on the national park. I don’t think there is a reason to take a position. … It goes against a previous position.”

The mayor said he fails to see the logic of the motion, to which Bennest responded, “… I can take you aside and explain it.”

Councillor Petra Veintimilla said approval of the motion is clearly about choosing sides in the national park debate.

She said opinion surveys have shown the public favours a national park and approving the motion would put council “on the other side (from) our own constituents.”

Councillor Maureen Doerr called the national park “a divisive issue that is tearing the town apart.” She described those opposed to a national park as a “silent majority.”

“No one is listening to the farmers and the ranchers and the First Nations,” she said.

Bennest said the province has indicated the idea of a national park in the South Okanagan-Similkameen is dead and that it won’t restart talks with Parks Canada on the issue.

The motion was approved by a three-to-two vote, with Veintimilla and Hovanes voting against.

Schwartzenberger, who described the motions as “a motherhood issue, basically,” voted with Bennest and Doerr in favour.