Some well-loved local parks in the Sea to Sky will be getting upgrades thanks to a $5-million investment that will be distributed across 24 provincial parks in B.C.
On Jan. 22, the province announced the cash injection, saying the pandemic has created a greater demand for outdoor activities.
"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 Environment Minister George Heyman, 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."
Some popular parks in the Sea to Sky receiving some of this cash will be Alice Lake Provincial Park and Porteau Cove Provincial Park.
Alice Lake will receive an expansion for its parking lot, new accessible pit toilets, and a bear-proof food storage locker for walk-in campsites.
Porteau Cove will get water system upgrades, as well as armouring of campsites and boat launch to protect against shoreline erosion.
Broadly, throughout the Sea to Sky, there will be a new bear-proof garbage bin program that will apply to numerous parks.
"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, in the news release.
"Keeping parks accessible and sustainably supported will create a more welcoming parks system, building healthy communities and future nature stewards."
