News and Events

2007

Philosophy of Land
Jan 25

The Penticton Philosopher's Cafe held a public discussion forum entitled How to preserve our wilderness in the new Millennium. Conservationists, ranchers, First Nations leaders and local citizens were given a chance to ask questions of the leading proponents of different views on the possibility of establishing a national park in the South Okanagan-Similkameen. .

Some of the local leaders speaking at the Cafe included Greg Norton, representing a diverse group who favour multiple use zones over national park status; Dick Cannings, a well known biologists and photographer who is in favour of the national park; and Jeanette Armstrong, Director of the En'owkin Centre, who will spoke to First Nations issues.

The 150 or so people in attendance were allowed to submit written question to be directed at the panel.

Dick Cannings spoke eloquently regarding the ecological values of the SOS, the accelerating pace of losses to those values, and, the economic benefits that will be brought by a park. Dick also cited public opinion survey that found an overwhelming proportion of the general public in favour of the benefits that will be brought to the SOS by a national park.

2006

What will a national park in the South Okanagan mean for you?

Find out at the Osoyoos Farmers Market on Sat July 15 from 8- noon. The Oliver-Osoyoos Naturalist Club is hosting an information booth.

Economic Benefits of National Park Reserve in South Okanagan will be significant

Osoyoos, BC - A national park in the South Okanagan would produce $72.0 million in investments, 832 full time equivalent jobs, $56.3 million in income, $120.0 million in expenditures and $39.9 million in government tax revenues, according to a report released today by the South Okanagan Similkameen National Park Steering Committee.

“This study forecasts tremendous economic benefits for the region,” said Okanagan Similkameen Senator the Honourable D. Ross Fitzpatrick, “in terms of new jobs, more investment and increased tourism.”

The study indicates the park could draw as many as 300,000 visitors annually by 2015...

Read entire news release (pdf)

Download Executive Summary (pdf)

Download Full Report (pdf)

Help Create SOS National Park

We have an opportunity to create a national park in the South Okanagan Similkameen. This park would protect a unique and diverse region of Canada and to provide a home for many species at risk.

The interior dry plateau is a distinct and unique region of British Columbia. It is Canada's only 'pocket desert'. The South Okanagan and Similkameen valley's contains some of the highest animal and plant diversity in British Columbia and are important migratory corridor for many species between the dry grasslands of BC and the desert-like areas of the western United States.

What's at stake

Why a national park

How you can help