BC PARKS FIXED-ROOF ACCOMMODATION POLICY

There are currently 160 existing fixed-roof accommodation facilities in BC Parks.

BC Parks periodically receives inquiries and proposals from organizations interested in providing additional accommodation options in parks. The Fixed-Roof Accommodation Policy was prepared to clarify government policy. The policy will:

Provide a vision, principles, policies and procedures that will allow timely, clear and transparent development, enhancement and management of fixed-roof accommodation facilities in parks.
Ensure decisions consider the views of local communities, First Nations and existing land-use and park management plans.
Provide clarity about the types and scale of fixed-roof accommodation that may be considered in the BC Parks system.
Ensure that any new development incorporates green technologies and is designed to complement the natural surroundings.

In addition to addressing new fixed-roof accommodation development, the policy provides guidance for the upgrade of existing park fixed-roof accommodation facilities so that they can better meet the needs of park visitors and ensure park values are protected.

The ministry will be issuing requests for proposals for fixed-roof accommodation facilities in two groups for the following 12 provincial parks:

Aug. 10, 2006:

· Mount Robson (Robson Pass) – Omineca Region

· Elk Lakes – Kootenay Region

· Wells Gray (Stevens Lake) – Cariboo Region

· Cape Scott – northern Vancouver Island

· Mount Assiniboine – Kootenay Region

· Fintry – Okanagan Region

Aug. 31, 2006:

· Silver Star (Sovereign Lake) – Okanagan Region

· Myra Bellevue – Okanagan Region

· Nancy Greene – Kootenay Region

· Maxhamish Lake – Peace Region

· Foch-Giltoyees – Skeena Region

· Golden Ears – Lower Mainland

The 12 sites include two sites (Mount Assiniboine and Elk Lakes) where there are existing facilities. In these cases, the proposal call is intended to identify operators.

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Media contact:	Don McDonald Communications Director 250 387-9973

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