The Ministry of Environment has analysed thousands of submissions received from British Columbians in response to the Intentions Paper on a Protected Areas Framework for British Columbia’s South Okanagan.

Environment Minister Mary Polak issued the following statement in response to the National Energy Board’s recommendation regarding the Trans Mountain pipeline:

Cabinet has approved an order-in-council for an exemption regulation under the Environmental Assessment Act to exempt previously approved, and constructed projects from requiring an environmental assessment certificate in response to a recent court ruling.

Access to the parking lot at Sombrio Beach will be temporarily restricted for safety measures over the May long weekend to discourage illegal activities, such as parties and vandalism, which have occurred in past years.

For the first time, visitors will be able to book some of the most popular camping sites in Garibaldi Provincial Park, a favourite backcountry destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Province has awarded over $330,000 to successful applicants to continue tsunami debris removal projects along B.C.’s coastline.

Protecting British Columbia’s treasured natural resources led to more than $236,000 in penalties under environmental statutes, the latest Ministry of Environment Quarterly Environmental Enforcement Summary (QEES) shows.

The B.C. government has proclaimed May 2016 as “Invasive Species Action Month” to help raise awareness of the environmental and economic damage that invasive plants and animals can cause if they become established in the province.