The record number of guests is leading to new investments to enhance the BC Parks experience, a report said.
There were more than 3.1 million campers who visited provincial parks in the 2021 camping season. In addition, there were also more than 260,000 Discover Camping bookings this year, which was the largest number ever recorded.
This year has been another exceptionally busy season for BC Parks with more people than ever seeking the benefits to their health and well-being that nature and open spaces provide,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “Caring for and expanding BC Parks is an investment in a healthy future. These new projects provide even more people with the opportunity to explore and experience British Columbia’s spectacular beauty and retain the vitally important connection to nature.”
BC Parks is investing $21.5 million over three years to increase and improve opportunities for outdoor recreation with new campgrounds, trails, and improvements to facilities. The investment is part of an increase of $83 million in BC Parks‘ operating and capital budgets, which will improve the administration of the parks‘ system and enhance the visitor experience.
Planning for further projects, such as the expansion of campsites, is in progress.
The Province is in consultation with the First Nations governments and conducting archeological and environmental evaluations before moving forward on the project.
In addition to the planned initiatives, $2 million worth of new funding for infrastructure maintenance will be allocated to all province regions on high-use trails and improvements to facilities. The planning for these projects is in progress, and some have begun.
To expand the possibilities for recreation outdoors, BC Parks is investing an additional $5 million each year to acquire land.
The province regularly expands the park and protected areas by buying private property, partnerships with conservation groups and individual donors, and BC Parks Foundation and supporters.