BC expanding provincial parks in Thompson and Shuswap

The B.C. government has introduced legislation to rename and expand several provincial parks including parks in the North Okanagan, Shuswap and Thompson regions.

The proposal would rename two parks and expand three. There would be roughly 143 hectares added to provincial park land.

Wells Gray Park near Clearwater would get 33 more hectares. The land added would protect wetland and forests that are on three sides of the park, according to a Ministry of Environment and Parks press release issued today, Feb. 19. 

Cinnemousun Narrows Park near Sicamous would get three more hectares on the shore of Shuswap Lake.

Enderby Cliffs Park near Salmon Arm isn’t getting any new land but it is getting a new name. The park will be renamed Tplaqín/Enderby Cliffs Park.

The reason for renaming the parks is to recognize Indigenous connections, the ministry said.

“Indigenous people have been stewards of the water, land and wildlife for millennia,” Environment Minister Tamara Davidson said in the release. “Renaming these parks to traditional Indigenous names recognizes significant cultural values and supports ongoing reconciliation with First Nations.

“Expanding B.C.’s parks and protected-areas system enhances protection of important ecological, recreational, cultural and historical values that make these places special.”