Dan Williams says there is an opportunity for provincial parks up for closure to remain open.
The Peace River MLA was responding to the announcement that 20 parks, including six in the Peace Region, will be either fully, or partially, closed.
Six Peace Region Provincial Parks to be fully, or partially closed.
Twins Lakes Provincial Recreation Area, Running Lake Provincial Recreation Area, Sulphur Lake Provincial Recreation Area, Stoney Lake Provincial Recreation Area and Greene Valley Provincial Park will be fully closed.
Notikewin Provincial Park will be partially closed.
Several listeners on social media expressed disappointment over the announcements but Williams feels there are some potential wins from the closings.
“I think there is a huge opportunity for local municipalities, First Nations communities, and not-for-profits that are looking at acquiring assets like this,” says Williams.
“We are looking to expand and grow our tourism industry and this is an opportunity for more aspects of our society partake in that.”
Williams says there has been some interest from various groups who may want to take over some of the closed parks but did not specify any particular one.
“I spoke with the ministry (of Environment and Parks) and was told there is a lot of interest province-wide,” mentions Williams, and also wants anyone in the region looking to take over operations of the parks to reach out to his office.
“If there are folks out there who are interested, please let me, and the minister’s office know.”
– Kenny Trenton, Trending 55 Newsroom
