More land added to Okanagan park’s protected area

B.C. is expanding parks and wildlife habitats, including some in the Okanagan.

Amendments to the Protected Areas of British Columbia Act have been introduced to increase protection for diverse wildlife habitat and wetlands. This will add to ongoing ecosystem conservation and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Among the areas being expanded is the Okanagan Mountain Park south of Kelowna. The province plans to add 21 hectares to the protected area to enhance wildlife connectivity and species protection. The Golden Mile Trail will also be added for recreation purposes.

“People’s desire to interact with nature has never been greater. Parks provide the opportunity to connect with nature and strengthen our physical and mental well-being,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.

“We continue to look for opportunities to add ecologically and culturally significant lands to our diverse parks system, and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation.”

The legislative amendments will also protect:

• Naikoon Park (Haida Gwaii): 123 hectares to protect wetlands and sand dunes;
• Blue River Black Spruce Park: 59 hectares to protect wetland and ecological integrity of the North Thompson River;
• Edge Hills Park (Clinton): 50 hectares to enhance wildlife connectivity and protection of the Fraser River Bluffs;
• Valhalla Park (Slocan): 32 hectares to improve connectivity;
• Hole-in-the-Wall Park (Chetwynd): 14 hectares to protect the culturally significant stream appearing from the base of a limestone cliff;
• Gladstone Park (Christina Lake): six hectares to add additional shore front lands at an important kokanee spawning area on the north end of Christina Lake;
• Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Park (Kaslo): 18 hectares to increase connectivity in the park that is home to mule deer and grizzly bears.

An additional 27 hectares of lake foreshore will be added to Christina Lake Park, Kootenay Lake Park, Gladstone Park and Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Park.

Boundary modifications will also be made at Burnt Cabin Bog Ecological Reserve, Big White Mountain Ecological Reserve, West Arm Park and Omineca Park to correct administrative errors and address safety issues.