Parks Canada to share feedback on controversial national park proposed for South Okanagan

PENTICTON – Parks Canada is planning a series of meeting in the South Okanagan Similkameen to share feedback provided during recent public consultations.

Parks Canada says in a media release issued today, May 7, the move is part of its commitment to openness and transparency in sharing the views of local residents, stakeholders and “all Canadians” after its “broad and extensive consultations.”

Public consultation began late last year but were subject to some controversy when some meetings were suddenly cancelled without warning in February.

A “What we Heard” report containing input from the public consultations will be available for viewing on the Let’s Talk South Okanagan Similkameen website on May 13, Parks Canada says.

Public information sessions are planned for the following dates and places:

• Tuesday, May 14, Venables Theatre, 6100 Gala Street, Oliver
• Wednesday, May 15, Sonora Community Centre, 8505 68th Avenue, Osoyoos
• Wednesday, May 15, Keremeos Victory Hall, 427-7th Avenue, Keremeos
• Thursday, May 16, Shatford Centre, 760 Main Street, Penticton, B.C.

Parks Canada officials will be at the sessions to answer questions.

Parks Canada says it’s goal is to have an agreement on the final boundary for the proposed national park reserve by the summer of 2019, following which steps to formally establish the reserve would get underway.

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