This 2006 co-published paper calls for the establishment of a new national park reserve in the BC's South Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. The area harbours extremely diverse and rare ecosystems, including Canada's only pocket desert, filled with cacti, rattlesnakes, and antelope brush. The South Okanagan-Similkameen grasslands are among the top four most endangered ecosystems in Canada. One-third of British Columbia's species at risk are found here.

Proposed South Okanagan Similkameen Nat. Park Reserve

Co-published:South Okanagan Naturalists’ Club & Wilderness Committee Vol.25 - No.04, Spring 2006

Economic Benefits

A national park would greatly strengthen and diversify the local economy. Government studies show that each national park on average produces hundreds of direct and indirect permanent, local jobs, and that the majority of money injected into the park stays in the area, benefiting nearby communities.

Growth Rates (%) in the Okanagan Between 1971 to 2001

Population 175%
Dams 81%
Golf Courses 600%
Ski Resorts 100%
Wineries 580%
Grape Production Areas 240%


Source: Dr Hans Schreier, Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of BC

  • Parks Canada has a start-up budget of $20 million for the proposed park as well as an annual operations and maintenance budget of $2.4 million.(1)
  • In British Columbia, for every dollar spent by Parks Canada for existing national parks, there have been over $9 generated by visitors in direct and spin-off expenditures.(2)
  • Applying this equation to the proposed South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Reserve and the anticipated annual infusion into the economy is $2.4 million plus $21.6 million – equaling $24 million per year.
  • In 2000/2001, Parks Canada employed 970 full-time equivalent persons in BC, generating another 4,796 full time equivalent jobs employed in the visitor services industry – a multiplier effect of 5 times. During this same period of time Parks Canada spent $34.5 million in BC, which generated a visitor spending of $320.3 million.(3)

    The opportunity to protect the environment, provide local work, diversify and stimulate the regional economy are good reasons to establish a national park in the South Okanagan-Similkameen, as well as providing a tremendous legacy for future generations.

    Citations
    (1) Personal communication between John and Mary Theberge, and the feasibility manager for Parks Canada, Doug Harvey).
    (2) and (3) Economic impacts of Parks Canada. 2002. The Outspan Group. Parks Canada. Hull, Quebec.