The debate over the creation of a national park in the South Okanagan Similkameen is finally over - maybe not forever, but at least for the time being.
Parks Canada formally announced its intention to withdraw from public engagement over the prospect in an announcement made on the Parks Canada website on Jan.20.
It reads:
“Parks Canada respects the position of the Government of British Columbia regarding the creation of a national park reserve in the South Okanagan – Lower Similkameen Valley and recognizes that it cannot proceed without the support of the Government of British Columbia.
If the province changes its position and indicates it is prepared to proceed, Parks Canada would resume its work in this area.
In order to respect the province’s perspective, Parks Canada will not publicly engage stakeholders on the proposal at this time.”