The Splatsin First Nation and the Province have reached an agreement that will allow the parking lot at Mabel Lake to reopen in time for the summer recreation season.

The agreement, reached in April, gives the Splatsin a 10-year licence of occupation over the upper parking lot, trail and playing field, about four-fifths of one hectare, and allows the local First Nations community to charge parking fees.

This arrangement will provide certainty for visitors who use the parking area to access fishing and recreational boating opportunities on Mabel Lake, about 30 kilometres from the Town of Enderby.

A management agreement limits parking rates to $5 a day for a vehicle and $10 a day for a vehicle and trailer. Long-term parking rates, from May 15 to Sept. 15, will be $400 for a single vehicle or trailer, and $700 for trailer and vehicle. Any changes to this fee structure will require provincial consent.

The agreement resolves issues that arose in fall 2011 between Splatsin and the Regional District of North Okanagan about the use of the land.

This site, known as Cqltqin ("uppermost head") in the Secwepemc language, has important historical and spiritual significance for the Splatsin First Nation.

Contacts:

Brennan Clarke
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261

Raymond Cormier
Title and Rights Director
Splatsin First Nation
250 838-6496, ext.234