Controversial national park narrowly gets CORD’s blessing

By Jason Luciw - Kelowna Capital News - May 11, 2008

Mark a slight victory in the win column for those supporting the creation of a national park in the South Okanagan/Similkameen.

In a 6-5 vote on Thursday, the Central Okanagan Regional District’s board endorsed the park plan in principle. Directors will give final consideration to the plan at month’s end.

Prior to the vote, lead proponent George Scotter had told the board that 9,000 people have now added their names to a petition in support of the park, compared to approximately 7,000 in January.

Scotter acknowledged there were opponents, however, singling out ranchers and horseback riding enthusiasts.

And he said negotiations with some First Nations were continuing.

Peachland director Mayor Graham Reid tried to convince the board to defer its support for the park until it could hear from all groups who had a stake in the plan.

“We need a fair process,” said Reid.

The board should not be making decisions without hearing from groups like the cattle ranchers and First Nations who may have differing perspectives about the park, Reid added.

However, board chairman Robert Hobson argued that the process would “take care” of First Nations and ranchers.

“They are being fairly considered,” stated Hobson, a Kelowna city councillor.

The chairman, known for his environmental cognizance, commented he was “very supportive” of the park proposal.

Kelowna director Mayor Sharon Shepherd said it was pointless to delay preliminary support at this time because the board would still need to wait until its next meeting on May 26 to give its final blessing.

“Let’s get on with it. This (park process) has been going on too long,” she said.

Shepherd noted that she was an avid supporter of national parks having been surrounded by them as a child, growing up in Revelstoke.

“National parks were a part of my (life) and I know the benefits of them.”

National park status would provide the highest level of protection to the native species inhabiting the proposed area, added Scotter.

The 100,000 hectare swath stretches from Okanagan Falls (near Penticton) in the northeast to Osoyoos in the southeast. The park boundary continues along the Canada/U.S. border for approximately 40 kilometres before reaching back up to an area west of Keremeos.

The line then travels just south of Highway 3 and east of Highway 3A before connecting back to the Okanagan Falls area.

As for those with alternate views, Shepherd noted that the board still had time to hear from other delegations.

“I can understand some of the opposition but that can be worked through,” she said.

Requests to appear before the board’s May 26 meeting should be made through the regional district office on KLO Road.

jluciw@kelownacapnews.com

Email | Print | Letter to Editor | Share on Facebook

Controversial national park narrowly gets CORD’s blessing

Most read in your Region

Most read across BC