Wells Gray Park - File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds)

By Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment Kelly Greene

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Making our B.C. Parks better

Jul 21, 2021 | 10:23 AM

LIKE MANY OF YOU, I’ve made some of my favourite summer memories in B.C.’s provincial parks.

We are so lucky that B.C. has one of the largest park systems in North America. Our provincial parks, recreation areas, ecological reserves, and protected areas preserve B.C.’s rushing rivers and frozen glaciers, towering mountains and deep valleys, and dense rain forests and sweeping grasslands.

During the pandemic, a record number of British Columbians visited provincial parks to stay active, connect with nature and spend safe, quality time with loved ones. Our government is committed to making sure even more British Columbians can get out and explore nature.

Last week, we announced that B.C. Parks has acquired more land that will be added to seven provincial parks and one protected area. This includes new land for Blue River Black Spruce Provincial Park near Blue River, to expand this area of deep river meanders, oxbows, sandbars and uplands along the North Thompson River. It also includes more land for Edge Hills Provincial Park, on the eastern bank of the Fraser River west of Clinton.

New Democrats have already added over 1,600 campsites to our provincial parks and we’re not done yet. As announced in Budget 2021, we’re providing B.C. Parks with its biggest budget increase in three decades. These funds will be used to renovate existing facilities, expand our trail networks, add staff and equipment, and create 185 more campsites this season alone. This means that outdoor enthusiasts and first-time campers alike will have more destinations to choose from and better amenities once they get there.

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We’re also making sure that those with diverse needs have equal access to our parks. We know that people who use wheelchairs, push strollers or have other accessibility needs often face barriers when visiting new places, and so we are enhancing our trails and improving our signs to make our parks easier to navigate. Accessibility information is also being added to the B..C Parks website, so people can see photos and descriptions of park facilities in advance and double check that their needs will be met. This is part of our work to build a truly inclusive province.

We all have a role to play in taking care of the wilderness we enjoy. Remember that campfires of all types are currently prohibited everywhere in B.C. in order to keep people and communities safer. When planning travel this summer, make sure your destination and your route are safe, and that the communities you’re stopping in are ready to welcome visitors.

Whether you prefer to hike into the back-country with your gear on your back, weave through the trees on a mountain bike, or lounge in a beach chair by the water, I hope you’re able to do it in a provincial park this summer. I know I’m certainly looking forward to making more memories in B.C. Parks with my family.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.