Government of B.C. Government of B.C.
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to main navigation
  • Skip to site search
  • Skip to side bar
  • Skip to footer

BC Gov News

  • Home
  • Ministries
  • Sectors
  • Connect
  • Subscribe
  • News Archive
  • Live Webcast
  • Office of the Premier
  • Agriculture and Food
  • Attorney General
  • Children and Family Development
  • Citizens' Services
  • Education and Child Care
  • Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
  • Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
  • Environment and Climate Change Strategy
  • Finance
  • Forests
  • Health
  • Housing
  • Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
  • Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
  • Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
  • Labour
  • Mental Health and Addictions
  • Municipal Affairs
  • Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
  • Public Safety and Solicitor General
  • Social Development and Poverty Reduction
  • Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
  • Transportation and Infrastructure
  • Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

close menu Office of the Premier

Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism

May 12, 2023 1:15 PM
Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism
The revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown is being supported by the Province with $2.2 million to create a more vibrant neighbourhood for residents, visitors and businesses.
  Read More

New partnership with AbCellera will create jobs, help address global health-care challenges

May 24, 2023 10:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THE PREMIER
More from the Premier
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Premier's Bio

close menu Agriculture and Food

Historic investment in food security supports British Columbians

March 7, 2023 10:55 AM
Historic investment in food security supports British Columbians
The Province is investing more than $200 million in food security to ensure people have better access to an increased supply of affordable, local food.   
  Read More

Farmers, ranchers, processors supported by new Canada-B.C. partnership

March 15, 2023 9:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Attorney General

B.C. makes it easier to get money awarded through the courts

May 1, 2023 1:48 PM
B.C. makes it easier to get money awarded through the courts
New legislation will make it easier for people to get money owed to them following a civil court decision.
  Read More

B.C. offers protection for people’s intimate images

May 4, 2023 9:00 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Children and Family Development

B.C. boosts payments for children in foster, kinship, out-of-care placements

March 29, 2023 12:30 PM
B.C. boosts payments for children in foster, kinship, out-of-care placements
Foster parents and others who support vulnerable children and youth will soon have more assistance with monthly costs, with an increase to payments that help cover food, clothing and transportation costs for children and youth in their care. 
  Read More

Access to post-secondary education expanded for former youth in care

March 14, 2023 10:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Citizens' Services

Data improvements for gender, sex make services more inclusive

May 11, 2023 1:30 PM
New standards for gender and sex data will help make data collection more inclusive and provide more accurate information for programs and services in B.C.
  Read More

More cell connectivity means safer travel on Highway 14

May 4, 2023 12:45 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Education and Child Care

School food programs get historic investment to help feed kids

April 4, 2023 12:30 PM
School food programs get historic investment to help feed kids
More children and youth will have access to healthy meals and snacks at school through the Province’s new Feeding Futures funding, which invests in building and expanding local school food programs.
  Read More

Students get improved air quality in B.C. schools

March 15, 2023 2:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

Stronger local emergency response, recovery keeps people safer

May 24, 2023 2:00 PM
Stronger local emergency response, recovery keeps people safer
More than 100 local governments and First Nations will benefit from provincial funding to support and enhance the work of local emergency operations centres.
  Read More

Financial assistance available for people affected by flooding

May 16, 2023 10:45 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

B.C. drives industry shift to cleaner heavy-duty transportation

April 27, 2023 9:45 AM
British Columbia’s commercial vehicle sector is accelerating toward the clean transportation economy with provincial support to help organizations achieve their climate goals, reduce costs and remain competitive.
  Read More

B.C. expands EV charging, leads country in going electric

April 11, 2023 1:45 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Upgrades made to Juan de Fuca Marine Trail

May 10, 2023 7:30 AM
Upgrades made to Juan de Fuca Marine Trail
People hiking the popular Juan de Fuca Marine Trail on southern Vancouver Island can enjoy enhanced camping facilities with the addition of 50 new elevated tent platforms at five backcountry campgrounds.
  Read More

Province enhances support for improved access to outdoor recreation

May 1, 2023 12:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Finance

Safe money services protect people from money laundering

March 29, 2023 2:05 PM
Safe money services protect people from money laundering
People in B.C. can be confident that money services businesses they use will have greater oversight by the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) as a new provincial regulator.
  Read More

Public registry would end hidden ownership in private businesses

March 29, 2023 1:55 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Forests

Be prepared, help prevent wildfires this long weekend

May 19, 2023 8:45 AM
Residents, travellers and campers are strongly urged to use caution and remain vigilant to prevent human-caused fires when enjoying the outdoors this weekend.
  Read More

Backcountry access restored after wildfire closures

May 2, 2023 3:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Health

People encouraged to prepare for floods, wildfire risks due to anticipated heat

May 11, 2023 11:33 AM
Prepare for floods, wildfire risks due to anticipated heat
With unseasonably hot weather forecast for most parts of British Columbia this weekend and into next week, people are encouraged to stay informed about potential risks.
  Read More

Statement on the World Health Organization declaring end of COVID-19 as global emergency

May 5, 2023 3:00 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Housing

New funding will help improve lives of SRO residents in Vancouver

May 18, 2023 2:45 PM
SRO residents in Vancouver
More people living in single-room occupancy (SRO) hotels in Vancouver will be able to access improved services and supports through a provincial grant of $11 million to the Downtown Eastside SRO Collaborative Society (SRO-C).
  Read More

Respite centre, 89 new affordable homes coming to North Vancouver

May 12, 2023 11:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Haida Nation, B.C. step toward reconciliation

May 9, 2023 12:45 PM
Haida Nation, B.C. step toward reconciliation
New provincial legislation supports the Haida Nation’s inherent right of governance by recognizing the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) as the government of the Haida Nation in provincial law.
  Read More

Clean energy powers Indigenous-led projects in Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Interior

April 27, 2023 8:36 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat

Premier’s statement on the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III

May 6, 2023 7:15 AM
Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III
Premier David Eby has issued the following statement on the Coronation of King Charles III, King of Canada and Head of the Commonwealth, and Queen Camilla:
  Read More

Fifteen British Columbians honoured for dedication to service

December 5, 2022 10:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News

close menu Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

Setting sail for growth means more jobs in B.C.’s marine industries

May 17, 2023 1:00 PM
Setting sail for growth means more jobs in B.C.’s marine industries
A new B.C. Maritime Industries Strategy will chart the course for a more competitive, modernized marine sector with reduced carbon emissions, and creating more highly skilled jobs to meet growing demands.
  Read More

New partnership with AbCellera will create jobs, help address global health-care challenges

May 24, 2023 10:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Labour

Minimum wage increases to $16.75 per hour on June 1

April 5, 2023 12:30 PM
Minimum wage increases to $16.75 per hour on June 1
On June 1, 2023, B.C.'s lowest-paid workers will get a pay raise with the general minimum wage increasing from $15.65 to $16.75 an hour.
  Read More

Gig work ‘what we heard’ report available online

April 11, 2023 2:45 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Mental Health and Addictions

New program helps people with overdose-related brain injuries

May 25, 2023 12:15 PM
Supporting people with brain injuries with a first-of-its-kind program
British Columbians living with brain injuries related to substance use now have access to specialized supports through a first-of-its-kind program in Canada.
  Read More

B.C. enhances access to addictions support for women and girls

May 17, 2023 9:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Municipal Affairs

Public libraries see historic funding boost from Province

March 24, 2023 10:45 AM
Public libraries see historic funding boost from Province
Public library users in communities throughout B.C. will benefit from modernized technology, enhanced programs and services, and better access to information through $45 million in provincial funding.
  Read More

Upgrades secure drinking water system in Prince Rupert

March 17, 2023 9:38 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

New student housing opens at Simon Fraser University

May 19, 2023 9:45 AM
New student housing opens at Simon Fraser University
Simon Fraser University (SFU) students now have access to more on-campus housing with the opening of a new residence hall at the Burnaby campus, reducing housing pressures in the community.
  Read More

Province unveils new process for skilled trades certification

May 11, 2023 8:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Public Safety and Solicitor General

Unexplained wealth orders crack down on organized crime

March 30, 2023 11:25 AM
Cracking down on the proceeds of organized crime
The B.C. government is targeting organized crime by creating a new suite of tools to seize proceeds of crime, such as fast cars, glamourous homes and luxury goods, making gang life unprofitable.
  Read More

Dedicated hubs target repeat violent offending to build safer communities

April 12, 2023 12:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Social Development and Poverty Reduction

New funding helps more people in need have access to healthy food

May 18, 2023 10:45 AM
New funding helps more people in need have access to healthy food
A new Loaves and Fishes Community Food Bank warehouse will help people get access to fresh, nutritious food, and boost food recovery and delivery services across Vancouver Island.
  Read More

New training prepares people for more jobs in social services sector

May 4, 2023 8:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism

May 12, 2023 1:15 PM
Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown supports businesses, tourism
The revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown is being supported by the Province with $2.2 million to create a more vibrant neighbourhood for residents, visitors and businesses.
  Read More

RBCM’s Old Town reopening with new approach

May 9, 2023 11:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Transportation and Infrastructure

Rebates make new e-bike purchases more affordable

May 25, 2023 10:15 AM
Rebates make new e-bike purchases more affordable
In time for GoByBike Week, the Province is offering rebates on the purchase of eligible new e-bikes for people who want to add some power to their pedal and start commuting by bike.
  Read More

Aviation investments support essential services, economic growth

May 19, 2023 10:15 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio

close menu Water, Land and Resource Stewardship

McLeod Lake Indian Band, Province sign agreements to protect treaty rights

May 3, 2023 9:15 AM
The Province of B.C. and McLeod Lake Indian Band have reached new agreements outlining how co-management and stewardship of the land and natural resources in the Nation’s territory will evolve.
  Read More

Communities along Fraser River benefit from increased flood resilience

May 2, 2023 11:30 AM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio
  • Home
  • Ministries
    • Office of the Premier
    • Agriculture and Food
    • Attorney General
    • Children and Family Development
    • Citizens' Services
    • Education and Child Care
    • Emergency Management and Climate Readiness
    • Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
    • Environment and Climate Change Strategy
    • Finance
    • Forests
    • Health
    • Housing
    • Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
    • Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
    • Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation
    • Labour
    • Mental Health and Addictions
    • Municipal Affairs
    • Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills
    • Public Safety and Solicitor General
    • Social Development and Poverty Reduction
    • Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
    • Transportation and Infrastructure
    • Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
  • Sectors
  • Connect
  • Subscribe
  • News Archive
  • Live Webcast

Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Legislation establishes more parks and conservancies

Share

More from this Ministry
Honourable George Heyman

Honourable George Heyman

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and Minister responsible for TransLink

Read Bio

Contact

Email: ENV.Minister@gov.bc.ca

close menu Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Upgrades made to Juan de Fuca Marine Trail

May 10, 2023 7:30 AM
Upgrades made to Juan de Fuca Marine Trail
People hiking the popular Juan de Fuca Marine Trail on southern Vancouver Island can enjoy enhanced camping facilities with the addition of 50 new elevated tent platforms at five backcountry campgrounds.
  Read More

Province enhances support for improved access to outdoor recreation

May 1, 2023 12:30 PM
ALL NEWS FROM THIS MINISTRY
More from this Ministry
  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Search News
  • Minister's Bio
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Print

Environment and Climate Change Strategy

British Columbia News

Legislation establishes more parks and conservancies

https://news.gov.bc.ca/03701

Share

News Release

Victoria
Thursday, February 14, 2013 2:12 PM

Share

News Release

Victoria

Thursday, February 14, 2013 2:12 PM

More from this Ministry

  • Factsheets & Opinion Editorials
  • Visit Ministry Website

Featured Topics

  • Climate Preparedness and Adaptation
  • Plastics Engagement
  • Towards a Clean Growth Future
  • Climage Change and Climate Action
  • Environmental Assessment Revitalization
  • Professional Reliance

Featured Services

  • Translink
  • Environmental Protection & Sustainability
  • BC Parks
  • Recreation Sites and Trails
  • Conservation Officer Service
  • Report All Polluters & Poachers
  • Environmental Assessment Office

Nearly 276, 000 hectares was added to the BC Parks system through legislation introduced today, announced Environment Minister Terry Lake.

Bill 5 - the Protected Areas of British Columbia Amendment Act, 2013 adds new parks and conservancies and expands the Mount Maxwell ecological reserve, which is home to the rare Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystem.

It entrenches in law protected area recommendations reached through multi-stakeholder and public land-use planning processes, as well as government-to-government agreements with First Nations, while at the same time supporting economic development.

"The B.C. government has been establishing parks and protected areas for more than a century," said Lake. "Through this legislation we are helping to protect our environment, including spawning habitat for sockeye salmon and a unique mineral source used by mountain caribou and other wildlife, which is the result of an extensive land-use planning process we have undertaken with First Nations, stakeholders and the public."

Central to the legislation is the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 process related to special natural, cultural and recreational features which results in the establishment of 17 new Class A parks and additions to five existing Class A parks in the region.

The establishment of the Ne'áh' and Hanna-Tintina conservancies in the northwest of the province also are hallmarks of the bill while private land acquisitions result in two new parks; Denman Island Park and Gerald Island Park.

Support for economic development projects, including a key BC Hydro upgrade that is expected to generate two thousand person years of employment over five years on Vancouver Island and a proposed corrections facility in the Interior is also facilitated by Bill 5.

B.C.'s total provincial protected areas system is 13,986,106 hectares - the third-largest in North America (after the Canadian and the U.S. national park systems) and the largest provincial/territorial parks system in Canada.

Class A parks provide the highest level of protection of recreation and conservation values of all parks. Conservancies explicitly recognize the importance of the area to First Nations for social, ceremonial and cultural uses.

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834

BACKGROUNDER

Descriptions of the New and Expanded Class A Parks, Conservancies and Ecological Reserve (in alphabetical order)

Beaver Valley Park (767 hectares): This new park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. The unique combination of a long growing season, a moist hot climate and the biologically rich stream/wetland/lake complex make the park highly productive in terms of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Species at risk found in the area include trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, fishers, northern bitterns, wolverine, sharp-tailed grouse, and great blue heron. The park is located approximately 50 kilometres southeast of Quesnel.

Becher's Prairie Park (125 hectares): This new park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. It contains undisturbed grasslands of the porcupine grass ecosystem. This ecosystem is not known to occur in British Columbia outside of the Cariboo Region and no other protected area in the Cariboo Region includes representation of this upland porcupine grass ecosystem. In the immediate vicinity of Rock Lake there is an area with associated waterfowl species and nesting habitat and a winter hibernation area for the Western terrestrial garter snake and common garter snake that will be protected. The park is located approximately 24 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake.

Big Basin Park (998 hectares): This new park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. The important natural values of the park include wetlands, habitat for mule deer, California bighorn sheep and waterfowl, and a diversity of forest cover. The recreational values include a hiking trail and a horse trail leading from a break in the rim rock and meandering through to Churn Creek and opportunities for hiking fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and horseback riding. The park is located approximately 98 kilometres west of 100 Mile House.

Boyle Park Addition (52 hectares): This park is located on Denman Island, off the east coast of Vancouver Island. This addition to Boyle Point Park is the result of a Crown land transfer and will protect forest that has never been logged. The forests contain some of Denman Island's oldest and largest Douglas-fir, hemlock and western red cedar trees. The addition also contains unique rock meadows and wetland areas. The wetlands supply critical amphibian breeding habitat in the dry forest for frogs, including the Pacific tree frog and salamanders. Several walking trails through the addition connect to existing trails in Boyle Point Park that receive considerable use by Denman Islanders and island visitors. The total area of Boyle Point Park will be 188 hectares.

Bridge Lake Park Addition (380 hectares): The addition to this park is as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. The park is located 43 kilometres southeast of 100 Mile House. The addition to the park is a large, undeveloped shoreline area of Crown land on Bridge Lake. The area had a small sawmill working in the early part of the century, but significant stands of large Douglas-fir and spruce still exist in the area. The presence of numerous bird species and several eagle nests, along with bears, fox, coyote, deer, mink, otter, and several very active beaver colonies have been reported. The area is very important for local recreation and is used as a day hiking site. Hiking, wildlife viewing and horseback riding occurs. Canoeing, swimming, boating and fishing are popular along the shoreline, which is quite open and has several small bays and inlets. The total area of the park will be 405 hectares.

Copper Johnny Park (656 hectares): This new park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. It encompasses a diverse wetland complex, glacial features (eskers), pothole and alkali lakes and grasslands. A number of bird species abound in the wetland areas, along with moose, beavers, and deer. Forest cover is consistently fir and pine, with spruce located in wetland and low areas. The eskers provide excellent viewing opportunities into the wetland areas, which are rich in bird and mammal life. The park is located approximately 43 kilometres southwest of 100 Mile House.

Crater Lake Park (95 hectares): This new park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. It protects a unique lake feature. The lake is steep sided and deep, surrounded by basalt formations and fed by a canyon/gorge and a series of small, visually attractive waterfalls. The lake has a resident population of rainbow trout and is reported to have freshwater clams. Recreation use is presently focused on wildlife viewing and scenic appreciation, fishing, picnicking, and hiking. The park is located approximately 35 kilometres southeast of 100 Mile House.

Dante's Inferno Park (376 hectares): This new park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. It offers a number of unique recreational, ecological and scenic features. It contains a recreational lake with good early season fishing opportunities surrounded by a scenic setting of basalt cliffs. Dry old growth, Douglas-fir forests, cottonwood forests, marsh, shrub streamside vegetation, and bedrock are all features which can be found in the area. Several species of bats utilize the basalt cliffs in the area, and pikas, flammulated owls and poorwills are in the area. A very large population of aquatic and other insects are an important feature of the area and their presence is likely attributable to the relatively warm lake and vigorous shoreline (riparian) vegetation. The park is located approximately 56 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake.

Denman Island Park (552 hectares): This new park, located on Denman Island, off the east coast of Vancouver Island, is being established as the result of private land acquisition and Crown land transfers. This park is found within the relatively rare Coastal Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic zone. It also includes the Chickadee watershed and areas important for a number of species at risk including the Taylor's Checkerspot butterfly.

Donnely Lake Park (814 hectares): This new park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. It protects a regionally significant wilderness walk-in fishery and camping in a wilderness setting. As well, it protects an entire small watershed, which is unique in the Cariboo. Rainbow trout are found in the lake. The slopes surrounding the lake are mature and old spruce, Douglas-fir and pine forests. The park is located approximately 45 hectares northeast from 100 Mile House.

Dragon Mountain Park (1,773 hectares): This new park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. It protects the viewscape in this area along with mule deer winter range values. This park contains mostly immature and mature conifer forests, (Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine) with some deciduous forests and a small amount of old forest. The park is located approximately 14 kilometres south of Quesnel.

Eleven Sisters Park (3,052 hectares): This new park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. The combination of high lake productivity, the wild rainbow trout and the wilderness setting of this large chain of lakes makes this area very unique in the Cariboo. The lakes in the area have a good recreational fishery and, as access is limited, it also provides for wilderness recreation experiences. The lakes provide good viewing opportunities for waterfowl. The park is located approximately 93 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake.

Flat Lake Park Addition (26 hectares): The addition to this park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. The addition to the park provides a valuable staging area to Flat Lakes Park through the development of a parking lot and boat launch. The park is located approximately 18 kilometres southwest of 100 Mile House. The total area of the park will be 4,275 hectares.

Fraser River Breaks Park (883 hectares): This new park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. It contains areas of old growth Douglas-fir and open grasslands, both at their northern extent in British Columbia. The area is also classified as mule deer winter range. The park is at the northern extent of the range of the flammulated owl, a species at risk in British Columbia. BC has one of Canada's only populations of flammulated owls, and this area has one of the highest densities of these owls in BC. The area is also habitat for the Townsend's big eared bat, another species at risk, which is also at its northern limits. The park is located approximately 12 kilometres north of Williams Lake.

Gerald Island Park (12 hectares): This new park, an island located near Nanoose Bay, is being established as the result of a private land acquisition. The park is a good example of the rocky coastal bluff ecosystem rarely found undisturbed in the Coastal Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic zone in the southern Strait of Georgia. Northern and California sea-lions, bald eagles and various bird and marine species are found in the park. In addition, the island is accessed recreationally by small boats, especially kayaks and canoes.

Hanna-Tintina Conservancy (23,702 hectares): This new conservancy is being established as a result of the Nass South Resource Management Plan and Gitanyow Huwilp Recognition and Reconciliaton Agreement. It protects the spawning habitat for the majority of the Nass River sockeye salmon. With timbered hillsides, alpine slopes, riparian and wetland ecosystems, the conservancy also protects important grizzly bear habitat. The conservancy also has many cultural heritage values important to the Gitanyow and Nisga'a Nations. The conservancy is located 128 kilometres northwest of Hazelton.

Inkaneep Park Addition (0.9 hectare): This addition to Inkaneep Park is being added to the park as a mitigation measure for the deletion of 0.24 of a hectare to provide for secondary road access to a planned correctional facility. The total area of the park will be 16 hectares.

Long Creek Park (254 hectares): This new park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. It protects a unique mineral lick used by mountain caribou (a species at risk) and other wildlife. The lick is located in a low, wet, sub-alpine meadow at the confluence of a number of small streams. It is believed to be one of the few mineral licks used by mountain caribou in this area. The park is located approximately 96 kilometres northeast of Williams Lake.

Marble Range Park Addition (2,215 hectares): This addition to Marble Range Park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. Mount Bowman is considered a central feature of the Marble Range because of high scenic values and the area also has value due to its naturalness and significant wildlife habitat. The Lime Ridge area has high wildlife habitat values, particularly for California bighorn sheep. The area near Mad Dog Mountain provides for connectivity of habitats and protects scenic values along the western extent of the park. There are several hiking and horse trails that lead to or through these areas. The park is located approximately 55 kilometres southwest of 100 Mile House. The total area of the park will be 19,236 hectares.

Moose Valley Park Addition (161 hectares): This addition to Moose Valley Park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. The area being added to the existing Moose Valley Park incorporates an area of medicinal plants into the park. The park is located approximately 18 kilometres west of 100 Mile House. The total area of the park will be 2,500 hectares.

Mount Maxwell Ecological Reserve Addition (22 hectares): The addition to Mount Maxwell Ecological Reserve on Salt Spring Island was acquired through an agreement between BC Parks, The Nature Trust of British Columbia and a private vendor. It adds the last piece in the Burgoyne Bay/Mount Maxwell protected area complex. This complex is situated in one of the most threatened areas in BC, the Coastal Douglas-fir biogeoclimatic zone. Along with the surrounding parks and ecological reserve, this addition protects the largest stand of Garry oak woodlands in Canada.

Ne'áh' Conservancy (233,304 hectares): This new conservancy is being established as a result of the Dease-Liard Sustainable Resource Management Plan and the Kaska Strategic Land Use Plan. It is nestled between the Cassiar Mountains and the Liard Plains in northern British Columbia. The conservancy is comprised of high value habitat for caribou, moose, Stone's sheep, mountain goat, bears and small furbearers. The area is, and has been, an important place to the Kaska Dena First Nations and has great cultural and spiritual value.

Patterson Lake Park (1,595 hectares): This new park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. It is utilized for recreational purposes by local residents. The park contains Patterson Lake, a complex system of eskers, at least one species at risk, the Short-beaked Fen Sedge, and several recreational trails. It is located approximately 172 kilometres west of Williams Lake.

Punti Island Park (12 hectares): This new park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. The island contains a variety of undisturbed grassland species and has remained largely ungrazed, owing to its location on a small island. The park is located approximately 120 kilometres west of Williams Lake.

Quesnel Lake Park (872 hectares): This new park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. The values in this system of small, generally water access only areas, are very diverse. Some sites have valuable fish habitat, including shore spawning by sockeye and Kokanee salmon while others have creeks important for rearing and spawning. A number of the areas are thought to be important as early season foraging sites and late season access to salmon for grizzly bears. At least one area is used as an early winter area for caribou. The park includes a number of features that are representative of landscapes around Quesnel Lake. These include sandy beaches, anchorages, waterfalls, wetlands and rivers, creeks, large tree communities and wildlife viewing opportunities in all areas. Culturally, many of these areas may have received significant use by First Nations. The park is located approximately 110 kilometres southeast of Quesnel.

Rainbow/Qiwentem Park (385 hectares): This new park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. It protects important water quality in the Bridge Creek watershed, pockets of old growth Douglas-fir, locally important recreation trails, possible archaeological values, and wildlife and lakeshore habitat. The park is located approximately 44 kilometres east of 100 Mile House.

Redbrush Park (1,165 hectares): This new park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. Alkaline meadows, although present in other areas of the Chilcotin, are more abundant in this park. The area also includes some moose winter habitat values. The park is located approximately 148 kilometres west of Williams Lake.

Schoolhouse Lake Park Addition (544 hectares): The addition to the existing Schoolhouse Lake Park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. This addition to Schoolhouse Lake Park protects high value old Douglas-fir, spruce, and pine in a riparian area, a wilderness recreation fishery, and wildlife travel corridors. The park is located approximately 33 kilometres northeast of 100 Mile House. The total area of the park will be 5,106 hectares.

Titetown Park (1,070 hectares): This new park is being established as a result of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land-Use Plan Goal 2 (Special Feature) process. It protects immature and mature pine and aspen forests. Small wet depressions are inhabited by shrubby wetlands while the steep south aspects are dominated by grass and dry shrub communities. The area is traversed by, and provides access to, the Alexander Mackenzie Heritage Trail. The area includes significant archaeological values related to aboriginal use. Large depressions locally referred to as Mackenzie's bowls are a significant feature. The park is located approximately 88 kilometres northwest of Quesnel.

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Environment
250 953-3834


https://news.gov.bc.ca/03701

Related Articles

Upgrades made to Juan de Fuca Marine Trail

May 10, 2023 7:30 AM

Province enhances support for improved access to outdoor recreation

May 1, 2023 12:30 PM

B.C. invests in innovative technology in cement industry

May 15, 2023 12:15 PM
BC Gov News

Connect with the Ministry

Photos

View the Ministry's latest photos on Flickr.

Videos

Watch the Ministry's latest videos on YouTube.

Sound Bites

Listen to the Ministry's latest audio clips on SoundCloud.

Acknowledgment

The B.C. Public Service acknowledges the territories of First Nations around B.C. and is grateful to carry out our work on these lands. We acknowledge the rights, interests, priorities, and concerns of all Indigenous Peoples - First Nations, Métis, and Inuit - respecting and acknowledging their distinct cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

Connect with Us:

  • BC Gov
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Newsletters
  • RSS Feeds

  • Home
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility
  • Copyright
  • Contact Us
  • Connect
View all Social Media