West Lake Provincial Park, near Prince George, is getting some upgrades thanks to new provincial funding.
A $5-million investment in projects spanning 24 provincial parks is part of the province’s StrongerBC economic recovery initiative to promote wellness and employment.
"We have heard the call for greater access to the outdoors to promote health and well-being during COVID-19. These meaningful projects create jobs to address those needs as part of our support for B.C. communities," said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy in a news release.
"Investing in provincial parks also protects sensitive ecosystems, supports our climate change goals and makes parks more accessible for everyone to enjoy."
Scheduled for completion in spring 2021, some of the projects include:
- installing electric vehicle charging stations at popular day-use sites in three parks;
- upgrades to parking lots, drinking water systems and boat launches;
- various upgrades to campgrounds in five provincial parks;
- backcountry improvements, such as new bear caches and trail upgrades; and
- accessibility upgrades, such as new boardwalks and accessible surfacing.
West Lake Provincial Park will be getting service building renovations.
Other upgrades in the Peace and Omenica regions include Mount Robson Provincial Park which will get upgrades to the Berg Lake Trail, including bear cache replacement, footbridge repairs and a new shelter at Marmot Campground.
Upgrades will also be made to ranger station buildings in the service compound, while Swan Lake Provincial Park, southeast of Dawson Creek, will also be getting a boat launch dock installation.
"An investment in our parks is an investment in the people of British Columbia," said Kelly Greene, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment in the release.
"Getting outside is more important than ever, and our government is committed to expanding parks so that all British Columbians can enjoy the beautiful natural landscape of our province."
The funding is in addition to about $18 million in annual capital investments in BC Parks, which is dedicated to protecting the province's diverse natural places for world-class outdoor recreation, conservation, education and scientific study.
"We are celebrating this investment in BC Parks, which will have far-reaching benefits for people and nature," said Annita Mcphee, executive director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, B.C. chapter.
"Keeping parks accessible and sustainably supported will create a more welcoming parks system, building healthy communities and future nature stewards."
