South Okanagan Similkameen Preservation Society

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Mission

The SOSPS is a grassroots, non-profit membership based organization with a mandate to protect our environment and culture in the South Okanagan and Similkameen. With the announcement of the National Park Reserve, we want to review all of the details of this proposal, and suggest sound choices for the benefit of the environment, lifestyle and business considerations of the entire community.

There is no doubt that we have a unique landscape of desert and grassland, and many red and blue-listed endangered species. I know we all believe in protecting this beautiful area, and I have always supported efforts to safeguard this landscape. I have supported, and continue to support the Okanagan Nation Alliance in their desire to to properly identify and protect the areas of cultural and historical significance. If the Federal Government is willing to partner with them financially and help with those designations, I will support that. The proposal for Federal involvement through Parks Canada has divided people of the South Okanagan and Similkameen. This has not been a unifying experience. I do not now, nor have I ever believed that Parks Canada is the best choice to protect and preserve our grasslands. I believe the Province of BC and the many other organizations, like the BCWF, BCCA and the Nature Trust of BC have protected and continue to protect the environmentally sensitive lands and wildlife of the South Okanagan. Any plans for a future Park Reserve in the South Okanagan must be built on the consensus of all of the people who live and work in the South Okanagan Similkameen.

Linda Larson, MLA, Boundary-Similkameen

The Coalition remains fundamentally opposed to a National Park Reserve in this area – The National Park Act is too blunt. While the Act does allow for special provision for non-traditional uses in a National Park, it also empowers Parks Canada to withdraw those provisions at any time.

Coalition members understand we live in a special area which requires special management. Members participated in the Land and Resource Management Planning Process (LRMP) initiated by Federal and Provincial ministries – it is a good plan addressing all stakeholders and protecting fragile areas with Provincial Parks.

Increased risk of wildfires, potential negative impact on agriculture (ranching, predation by wildlife on crops and smoke contamination of wine grapes), loss of outdoor recreation from hunting to hang gliding and the future of the Penticton Airport – some of the challenges the Coalition feel need further consideration.

Greg Norton
Grassland Park Review Coalition

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No Park does not mean no habitat conservation.

No Park does not mean no wildlife protection.

No Park does not mean no concern for the environment.

In reality, the concerns of the No national park side are largely the concerns of the Yes national park side, with one exception – the agency proposed to oversee this protection. Parks Canada is a poorly run, fiscally irresponsible government department with a history of mismanaging Canada’s greatest natural and ecological assets.

No Park means NO To Parks Canada. We believe there is a better way to protect our ecology and environment for the generations to come.

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Links from the April 23rd public discussion:

CPAWS Report on Parks Canada’s environmental record: Link

Opus Report and CBC Article about condition of Parks Canada Properties: Link

SOSPS polling for local support of National Park Reserve: Link

Example frame work for protection: White Lake Grassland Protected area plan; Link

Letter from Chief Louie declaring that the park is far from approved by First Nations: Link

Welcome to the South Okanagan Similkameen Preservation Society

What are the consequences of a National Park Reserve for our environment?

How will our lifestyle change with the National Park Reserve?

How will agriculture change with a National Park Reserve?