By Joyce Murray, Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection

Last week our government introduced new legislation that lays the groundwork for new lodge and recreation opportunities within the province's parks. Since then, there has been significant interest from the environmental community on these changes and much speculation about government's motives. Let me set the record straight.

Our vision for parks is exciting and positive and is founded on a central principle ­ we will maintain the ecological and conservation role and integrity of our parks. To do otherwise would compromise the trust British Columbians have placed in our government. Protecting our parks is in everyone's interest, including the tourism industry, which we are determined to build.

We know what draws so many visitors to our provincial parks each year ­ it is their spectacular natural beauty. British Columbia already has resorts and lodges in a number of parks, including E.C. Manning, Mount Assiniboine and Bonaparte, that complement this beauty. These lodges attract park visitors who are looking for something other than the traditional camping experience, and they make valuable contributions to local economies.

Our government believes that expanding the number of these lodges is a positive step we can take in building the economy in the province's Heartlands, providing jobs and attracting more visitors to our parks and the surrounding communities. New lodge development in the appropriate locations and under the right conditions is both desired and welcome.

Just as with proposals being considered by government to develop more traditional park facilities, any lodge proposal would have to complement the park's recreational values and be situated so it respects the park's wilderness and conservation objectives. That means any new development will have to complement the natural B.C. parks experience - not detract from it. Further, any new development will be subject to impact assessments and stakeholder consultation.

British Columbia already offers world-scale resort communities such as Whistler and Sun Peaks, and they are valued components of B.C.'s tourism portfolio. This is not where we as a government intend to take B.C.'s parks. Quite simply, we are building upon the success of existing lodges and offering an expanded range of accommodation options to meet the public's wishes.

Populations are aging, park visitors are from many different cultural backgrounds, and with that change comes different wants and needs. British Columbians and our visitors have indicated they want more recreational services and opportunities, and a greater range of accommodation when they visit our provincial parks. The availability of that choice is part of our government's goal of building a park system that continues to welcome and cater to all visitors.

For some, that desire is for more recreation opportunities. That's why our park operators are offering kayaking, rock climbing and horseback riding in select parks. Some desire the full backcountry experience in remote and untouched wilderness ­ that will still be available. And some desire tasteful, comfortable, timber-framed accommodation that emphasizes our province's history and the culture of our First Nations. That option will soon be available as well.

With a park system of more than 11 million hectares we can protect and preserve our natural heritage and still offer the different park experiences sought by our residents and visitors alike.