Kootenay National Park, B.C. – On behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Dr. Colin Carrie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment and Member of Parliament for Oshawa, accompanied by David Wilks, Member of Parliament for Kootenay–Columbia, today announced investments in Kootenay National Park designed to increase motorist safety and wildlife conservation.
Dr. Carrie announced an initiative under the Parks Canada Agency’s Conservation and Restoration program for the second phase of Kootenay National Park’s highway fencing and wildlife crossings program to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, improve motorist safety and keep habitat connected across Highway 93 South.
This $9.6 million in investment will support construction of at least four wildlife crossings and approximately 6.5 km of further fencing along this busy highway. Funds earmarked for this project are part of a multi year, Agency-wide investment to achieve tangible conservation outcomes while connecting Canadians to nature.
The National Conservation Plan (NCP), launched by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, provides a shared and coherent vision to advance conservation efforts across the country. The investments being announced today directly contribute to the NCP by taking concrete action in the three priority areas to conserve Canada’s lands and waters, restore ecological integrity and connect Canadians with nature.
Quick Facts
• The Government historically has invested significant funds each year in the maintenance and recapitalization of infrastructure in national parks and historic sites as part of Parks Canada’s operating budget.
• Canada is a global leader in national park management and ecological restoration. Parks Canada’s Conservation and Restoration program is the most diverse and progressive program in the Agency’s history, and will invest close to $84 million over the next five years to undertake key restoration actions that contribute to the ecological integrity of national parks and the recovery of species at risk.
Quotes
“Our Government’s investments in wildlife crossings and highway fencing on Highway 93 South in Kootenay National Park will increase motorist safety and wildlife conservation in the heart of the mountain national parks, part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. Through the investments announced today, we are supporting Canada’s National Conservation Plan by taking practical action to restore Canada’s ecosystems, contribute to the conservation of Canada’s lands and waters and helping Canadians connect to these wonderful national parks.” ~ Dr. Colin Carrie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment and Member of Parliament for Oshawa
“Our Government is proud to be making significant investments in Parks Canada sites across the country. Investments like these in Kootenay and Yoho national parks will result in tangible actions to support the Government’s National Conservation Plan while also creating jobs, promoting tourism and supporting communities in the region.” ~ Mr. David Wilks, Member of Parliament for Kootenay–Columbia