Official Regional Parks Plan
Welcome to the Regional Parks Plan Update
Backgrounder to the Project and the Process
As BC’s Northern Gateway, the Regional District of Fraser Fort-George (RDFFG) encompasses over 52,000 square km (about 1.5 times the size of Vancouver Island), and is home to about 100,000 residents, most of whom live in the Prince George area or one of the other three communities of MacKenzie, McBride and Valemount.
Regional Parks are an important part of the network of protected areas in the Regional District, providing recreation destinations for area residents and visitors as well as helping to protect unique natural resources of the area.
Why do we need to update the Regional Parks Plan?
The last Regional Parks Plan (Bylaw No. 724) was approved by the District Board in 1986. A lot has changed since then – two parks have been added to the regional parks system and several more have been upgraded; new legislation concerning regional parks has come into effect; and trends in park and trails use have changed.
An updated plan will set clear direction, priorities and budget planning for the Regional District and will help in the further development of a regional parks system that reflects the character of the Regional District and the values of the people that live here.
Planning is Underway
The process of developing the plan will occur in four phases over 2009 and 2010:
• Phase One: Analysis of the Current System
We are putting together an overview of the existing regional parks and its links to other parks and protected areas, as well as park use trends and area demographics to help create a complete picture of the parks network.
• Phase Two: Outreach – Gauging the Demand
We are also gathering information on the needs and desires of the people using the parks in the Region - through public sessions in Prince George, MacKenzie and McBride-Valemount, a public survey, contact with a variety of stakeholders and through the RDFFG website. Stakeholders include government agencies, First Nations, heritage, tourism, education, recreation and nature organizations, and community associations.
• Phase Three: Development and Review of the Draft Plan
Based on information and input gathered during the previous phases, a draft plan will be prepared and posted on the RDFFG’s website. We will get in touch with our stakeholders to ask for their comments as well as host a second round of public sessions to present the draft plan and get feedback from you!
• Phase Four: Finalizing the Plan
After reviewing the comments from Phase 3, the details of the plan will be finalized, and presented to the Regional District Board for a final review. We hope to have the new Plan adopted by July 2010.
How can you help?
We want to hear from you. This is your regional parks system – so it’s important that decisions and directions in the final Plan are based on your ideas.
Ways that you can have your say:
• Public Survey
Access a survey about the future of regional parks here. You can also drop into the RDFFG office to pick up a paper copy, or call 250-960-4487 or email parksplan@rdffg.bc.ca to have one emailed, faxed or mailed to you. Information on how to return your copy is on the back of the survey.
• Public Open Houses
We will be hosting a series of Public Sessions in November 2009. Dates and venues are posted here:
- Wednesday, November 18, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Caribou Grill, 1002 5th Ave. in Valemount (hosted by the Chamber of Commerce).
- Wednesday, November 18, 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Evangelical Free Church Hall, 135 Lonsdale St. in McBride (hosted by the Chamber of Commerce).
- Thursday, November 19, 6:30 to 9:00 PM at the Civic Centre in Prince George.
- Friday, November 20, 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Conference Meeting Room in the Mackenzie Recreation Centre in Mackenzie.
A short presentation will be made at 7 pm (12 pm in Valemount), and staff and consultants will be on hand to discuss your ideas and answer any questions.
Another series of public sessions will be held in Spring 2010 on the draft Plan. More information about theses public sessions and their results will be posted here as they become available.
• Written Submissions
We welcome your thoughts on the Regional Parks plan. Please send an email to Bryan Boyes, Environmental Field Supervisor with the RDFFG at parksplan@rdffg.bc.ca. You can also send a fax to (250) 562-8676 to the Attention of Bryan Boyes.
Stay tuned!
This is just the beginning. Over the coming days, weeks and months we’ll use this website to keep you up to date on the project. Here you will find information on the project timelines, upcoming events and ways to express your views on the preparation of the plan.
Contact Us
Do you have any questions, ideas or concerns? You can reach us at:
Phone: 250-960-4487
Email: parksplan@rdffg.bc.ca
Mail: 155 George St. Prince George, BC, V2L 1P8
Relevant Documents
Bylaw 724 – Official Regional Parks Plan