INFORMATION BULLETIN
For Immediate Release 2008ENV0016-000232 Feb. 21, 2008	Ministry of Environment
PROPOSED MEASURES WILL IMPROVE B.C.'S WORLD-CLASS PARKS

VICTORIA – As part of Bill 2, the Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2008, amendments are being proposed to the Park Act that would allow BC Parks to be more responsive to park users and provide greater ability to sell BC Parks merchandise within and outside provincial parks.

 

Park Act amendments would transfer the authority to set recreation user fees from the lieutenant governor in council to the minister of environment. These amendments would allow the minister to approve recreation user fees within ranges to be set in regulation. Treasury board and cabinet have already approved the following recreation user fee changes:

 

• 2009 camping season – introduction of discounted rates for longer-stay camping to encourage camping in the shoulder season and in underutilized parks.
• 2010 camping season – introduction of a range of premium and discount rates tailored to each campground that will reflect the amenities and services provided at each individual campground, local market conditions and seasonal variations in demand. Fees would only be changed if warranted by changes to services, cost increases, or if supported by a business plan.

 

The Ministry of Environment will seek public input before implementing full recreation user fee flexibilities in 2010. The minister would determine fees for each provincial park once per year in December and the public would be informed of any fee changes well in advance of the camping season. New revenues would be reinvested in the parks system.

 

The proposed amendments to the Park Act would also enable BC Parks to sell promotional and educational products both within and outside parks, to sell advertising on park maps and brochures, and to establish prices for promotional products and advertising. Promotional and educational products would include items such as t-shirts, park maps and videos. BC Parks will maintain control of editorial content in maps and brochures produced for the parks system.

 

In addition, as part of Bill 2, amendments are being proposed to the Special Accounts Appropriation and Control Act to establish the Park Enhancement Fund as a new special account. Revenue generated from the sale of BC Parks merchandise and ad space would flow into the Park Enhancement Fund and would be used to fund activities such as interpretative programs, and new or improved park facilities, as well as research and restoration activities within protected areas.

           

            To view the proposed amendments to the Park Act and the Special Accounts Appropriation and Control Act, please refer to Bill 2, the Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2008 (www.leg.bc.ca/38th4th/1st_read/gov02-1.htm).

 

            To learn more about the BC Parks system, please visit www.bcparks.ca.

 

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Media contact:	Kate Thompson Manager, Media Relations 250 953-4577
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