Economic Benefits of South Okanagan National Park
A National Park would greatly increase the economic diversity of the South Okanagan-Similkameen region. Rural communities are largely resource based that depend on one large resource to sustain its economy. This has been detrimental to many rural communities across the province, particularly in the last decade.
There are four municipalities, four unincorporated towns and three First Nation communities located within a 15-30 minute drive of the proposed national park reserve. These are:
- The City of Penticton
- Town of Osoyoos
- Town of Oliver
- Village of Keremeos
- Okanagan Falls
- Kaleden
- Cawston
- Olalla
- Lower Similkameen Indian Band
- Osoyoos Indian Band
- Upper Similkameen Indian Band
Because of their geographic proximity, these communities are expected to receive most of the direct and indirect economic benefits generated by the proposed South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Reserve.
National parks are major contributors to Canada's $55.5-billion tourism industry. They provide direct and indirect full-time equivalent jobs, as well as support the construction of infrastructure and tourism development.
Contact politicians today to tell them to help make the national park a reality!