British Columbia (Canada) has introduced new legislation aimed at expanding the province’s parks and protected areas.
The amendments to the Protected Areas of British Columbia (PABC) Act will see an addition of 189 hectares to six existing provincial parks and one conservancy, signaling a strong commitment to preserving natural habitats and promoting public access to nature.
In a press release, Environment and Climate Change Strategy Minister George Heyman emphasized the importance of these expansions in safeguarding ecological, recreational, and cultural values for future generations. The initiative reflects the province’s dedication to maintaining the biodiversity and ecological integrity of its protected areas.
The newly added lands are a mix of private acquisitions, donations, and Crown lands, contributing to the province’s diverse natural landscapes. Among the notable additions are Tribune Bay Park on Hornby Island, where 10 hectares of land and an adjacent marine foreshore will protect the last remaining beachfront at Tribune Bay, including an existing campground.
Muncho Lake Park, near Fort Nelson, has gained 2.5 hectares to preserve the scenic waterfront of the jade-colored Muncho Lake, a stone’s throw from the Alaska Highway. Edge Hills Park near Clinton will see an 11-hectare increase, aimed at protecting the panoramic river canyon views, forested slopes, and diverse ecosystems along the Fraser River.
Further south, Valhalla Park near Slocan has been expanded by six hectares, reducing the encroachment of private land in the park and safeguarding the unique topography of the Selkirk Mountains. The Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Park near Kaslo, known for its mule deer and grizzly bear habitats, has also been extended by 24 hectares.
Mount Pope Park, a favored destination for hikers and rock climbers near Fort St. James, has added 4.8 hectares, primarily to enhance parking facilities. The Taku River/T’aḵú Téix̱’ Conservancy near Atlin has seen the largest increase with 127 hectares, a significant addition that was previously hampered by mineral tenures.
In a nod to cultural heritage and collaboration with Indigenous communities, the Cardiff Mountain Ecological Reserve will be renamed to Tŝi ʔEẑɨsh Ecological Reserve. This change comes as part of BC Parks’ ongoing efforts to recognize and honor the traditional names and stewardship of the land by the First Nations, particularly in partnership with the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation.
The legislative amendments also streamline the management of existing infrastructure within the parks, transferring the responsibility for roads in Kikomun Creek Park, Nancy Greene Park, and Yaaguun Suu Conservancy to other government ministries.
British Columbia’s park system is extensive, with 1,039 provincial parks, recreation areas, conservancies, ecological reserves, and protected areas covering more than 14 million hectares. This network represents about 14.4% of the provincial land base, underscoring the region’s commitment to conservation and public enjoyment of nature.
The province acquires new land for its parks annually through the BC Parks Land Acquisition Program, often in partnership with conservation organizations, individual donors, and corporations. This program is crucial for expanding and enhancing the protected areas, ensuring they continue to provide sanctuary for wildlife and recreation spaces for the public.
The majority of the parks in British Columbia are Class A, designated primarily for the preservation of their natural environments and for public use. These parks are critical in promoting biodiversity, offering outdoor recreation opportunities, and contributing to the health and well-being of residents and visitors alike.
