Two years ago, at my request, the Minister of Environment directed staff to begin looking at solutions to what appeared to be, for some, an unfinished consultation on environmentally sensitive areas in the South Okanagan.

The need to conserve and protect endangered habitats has always been of significant importance to our government.

The difficulty for the South Okanagan is that it has been continuously occupied for more than 100 years and has a relatively high population.

My concern has always been how to protect the agricultural land and the farmers/ranchers who make a living on this land while still gaining some security from development for the eco-sensitive areas. There are also recreational activities such as hunting and fishing that are part of the local culture and history.

These discussions have been ongoing between myself and the Minister of Environment since 2013.

There are vocal proponents on both sides of the issue but I have always believed there is a middle ground that could possibly accomplish objectives for both sides.

For all of you who have not had an opportunity to speak on this issue, I urge you to go to the website and answer the questions. I know many of you have had opinions on this park issue and perhaps did not want to comment publicly, so here is your chance to agree or disagree, or even make your own suggestions.

Now is the time for you all to have your say in a non-confrontational arena.

Link

Please be part of the conversation.

Linda Larson
MLA, Boundary-Similkameen