— Oliver/Osoyoos BC
A new national park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen will protect one of the most endangered natural regions in Canada and enable this inspiring landscape to be shared with Canadians and visitors from around the world for generations to come. Parks Canada is trying to reach an agreement on a final boundary for the proposed national park reserve by summer 2019. Afterwards, steps would be undertaken towards the formal establishment of a national park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen.
The first of Parks Canada’s four public information session will be in Oliver on May 14.
“In support of its commitment to openness and transparency, Parks Canada will be hosting public information sessions to share feedback received during the public consultations on the proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen,” reads a press release.
“Parks Canada undertook broad and extensive consultations with local residents, stakeholders, and all Canadians to hear their views on the proposed boundary for the proposed national park reserve and key aspects for consideration in the management of the lands. The valuable input of all will be taken into consideration in the assessment of the establishment of the proposed national park reserve.”
Parks will be sharing the findings from the “What We Heard” report, which was written by a third-party consultant.
Information sessions will take place as follows:
— Tuesday, May 14 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Venables Theatre, 6100 Gala Street Oliver, B.C.
— Wednesday, May 15 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Sonora Community Centre, 8505 68th Ave Osoyoos, B.C.
4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Keremeos Victory Hall, 427-7th Avenue/Hwy 3 Keremeos, B.C.
— Thursday May 16 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Shatford Centre, 760 Main Street Penticton, B.C.