BY AMAN SINGH

NDP MLA Richmond Queensborough

THE warmer months in British Columbia are an excellent time to enjoy our beautiful BC Parks, and a reminder of how fortunate we are to live in this province. I know that I’m looking forward to getting outside and spending time with friends, family, and community this summer.

As the tourism industry bounces back from a challenging few years, more people than ever are getting involved in outdoor recreation. And our New Democrat government is making investments to protect and improve outdoor spaces for generations to come.

To preserve trail networks, and enable even more people to get outside, we’re providing $10 million to the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C. A new endowment fund has been established to support the work of volunteer organizations and community groups that do so much to keep our trails in great shape.

This builds on the $71 million we’re investing in Budget 2023 to help preserve and enhance outdoor recreation in BC Parks, rec sites and trails all across the province.

To ensure that everyone can feel welcome in provincial parks, we’re removing barriers and upgrading more facilities to accessible standards. This includes making front-country campgrounds and day-use areas, including washrooms, more accessible, and shifting to gender-neutral, universal facilities wherever feasible.

We’re also working to share more diverse cultural connections through increased storytelling and interpretation at many parks.

Parks and trails bring friends and families together while contributing to local economies in many communities across B.C.

We all have a role to play in taking care of the wilderness we enjoy. This summer, please remember to check weather and road conditions, and fire bans, and plan your adventures to keep everyone safe.

Whether you prefer to hike into the backcountry with your gear on your back, weave through the trees on a mountain bike, or lounge in a beach chair by the water, BC parks are here to welcome you!