VICTORIA - The government will ensure the sustainability of B.C.'s parks system while creating new opportunities and providing the recreational services British Columbians expect, Water, Land and Air Protection Minister Joyce Murray said today. Murray outlined the government's approach for improving provincial park services at a technical briefing for media on the process to revise and update the provision of camping and day use recreation.

"The previous government doubled the parks system, but failed to develop a long-term plan for funding and managing the expanded system," said Murray. "We need to act now to restore sound fiscal management so that our parks system is sustainable over the long term.

"British Columbians care deeply about their parks. This revitalization will allow us to maintain the park system's integrity and commitment to environmental protection while enhancing employment and economic opportunities, especially for rural communities and First Nations."

In May, Murray appointed a recreation stewardship panel to find solutions to managing park, fish and wildlife recreation services. The panel is consulting with the public, First Nations and provincewide groups and will recommend ways to maintain and, in some cases, increase outdoor recreation opportunities while protecting sensitive ecosystems and fish and wildlife habitat.

To improve its program delivery of campground and day use recreation services, the ministry is gathering information from potential private and non-profit sector operators through a formal Request for Qualifications. This process has been developed in consultation with the recreation stewardship panel and is consistent with its work to date.

Under the current system, campgrounds are managed by about 110 private-sector operators. The revised system may include additional responsibilities and opportunities for service providers and will be consistent with the panel's recommendations.

"Private contractors have delivered high quality services in BC parks for over 20 years," said Murray. "Now that the parks system has doubled in size, it is prudent to review existing arrangements with park facility operators and seek new opportunities. We are looking for new partnerships and resources for the parks system so we can continue to deliver the high quality recreational experience British Columbians and tourists enjoy and expect."

BACKGROUNDER

PROCUREMENT PROCESS FOR CAMPGROUND AND DAY USE RECREATION
The Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection is revising the current service delivery model for campground and day use area recreation services within provincial parks. This process complements the work of the Recreation Stewardship Panel, which was appointed in May to review management and funding options for park, fisheries and wildlife recreation.
The business opportunities that may become available will be awarded through a competitive public process. The process has three main components.

Request for Qualifications
The request for qualifications (RFQ) is a mandatory process under which respondents who wish to apply to the request for proposals (RFP) must meet certain requirements. Proponents who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be able to submit proposals. A draft request for proposals will be posted on the Web after the Recreation Stewardship Panel has released its draft recommendations. This will allow proponents to see the scope of the RFP and provide comments on the details. The RFQ will be available Aug. 13 and will close on Sept. 23.

Request for Proposals
Qualified RFQ respondents will be invited to submit proposals through a subsequent RFP after the public process has been completed on Oct. 16. Proposals should include business plans and service delivery details for the operation of specific groups of campgrounds and day use areas. Proponents can submit proposals for more than one set grouping of campgrounds and day use areas. Proponents will also have the opportunity to outline innovative service delivery ideas. Closing date for all RFP submissions will be Dec. 2.

Evaluation and Negotiation
Once all proposals are received, ministry staff will begin the process of evaluation and negotiation. All proposals will be evaluated against the criteria detailed in the RFP. When the evaluations are completed, ministry staff will negotiate contracts with the leading proponents. Contracts will be awarded and signed in time for the opening of the 2003 camping season.

Media contact:

Alex Dabrowski
Public Affairs Officer
250 953-4577