VANCOUVER - The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, has announced that a national park reserve feasibility assessment will be conducted on Bowen Island.
“Since 2006, the Government of Canada has protected, created or expanded new parks and marine conservation areas whose total surface area is greater that of New Brunswick and P.E.I combined," said Minister Prentice. "Our achievements need to be celebrated with pride, and must inspire and motivate us to do more. It is for this reason that we are initiating this study, which may help to protect and include the lands of Bowen Island in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.”
Bowen Island is located at the entrance to Howe Sound, some 20 kilometres northwest of Vancouver. The island has a rugged landscape dominated by Douglas fir, western hemlock and western red cedar, and is home to a variety of rare plant communities and wildlife.
“Canada is a proven world leader, and serves as a model of what can be achieved when a country like ours has the vision and will to do big things, as emphasized to me by the people of Bowen Island through its Mayor and Council," said John Weston, M.P. for West Vancouver. “The designation of national park reserve lands on Bowen Island would help to protect one of the rare examples of Georgia Strait Lowlands, and ensure it is used in a sustainable manner.”
The purpose of the feasibility assessment is to see if the lands on Bowen Island would offer residents and visitors of Metro Vancouver a significant opportunity to experience Canada’s national parks, and to assess the level of support for the project among local residents. The assessment, expected to take less than a year, will be based largely on consultations with the Bowen Island community, neighbouring communities, First Nations and other stakeholders, and other levels of government.
“The Government of British Columbia is pleased to support the Government of Canada and the Bowen Island Municipality in this assessment of the potential for a national park reserve, adjacent to an urban centre," said Joan McIntyre, Member of the Legislative Assembly for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky. “Our government is pleased to support the community's efforts to obtain a greater level of protection for the island's bountiful resources with the potential to provide a stunning recreational asset for Bowen Islanders and visitors alike.”
“A national park on Bowen is aligned with many of our Official Community Plan objectives: environmental stewardship of our crown lands, watershed protection, the creation of local 'green' jobs, and improved recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike,” said Bowen Island Mayor Bob Turner. “Bowen Island Council will work closely with the Government of Canada to ensure that we consult well with our community on this significant initiative. I personally see this as a very exciting opportunity for Bowen Island."
|
