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Former mayors talk about what it’s like to live in a national park

As Bowen draws closer to deciding whether or not to begin the process of becoming a national park, Stephen Foster of the national park community advisory committee (NPCAC) has assembled an evening of two speakers and a forum for discussion and questi

As Bowen draws closer to deciding whether or not to begin the process of becoming a national park, Stephen Foster of the national park community advisory committee (NPCAC) has assembled an evening of two speakers and a forum for discussion and questions.

On Friday, April 8, two former mayors will talk about their experiences of running municipalities within a national park.

From 1996-1999, Scott Fraser served as the mayor of the District of Tofino. He is now a sitting MLA for Alberni-Pacific Rim.

Leslie Taylor was elected the first Mayor of Banff, serving for two terms, from 1989 to 1995, and overseeing the town's launch as a municipality. She currently serves as a councillor for the town of Banff. Taylor also worked for 14 years in provincial and national parks, including as the acting superintendent of Banff National Park.

"My hope," Taylor says, "is that I can provide insights and share what I have learned by living cheek by jowl with a national park."

"Both Leslie and Scott see what a huge challenge it is for us to understand all that is before us," Foster says.

Fraser and Taylor will help to clarify issues concerning islanders. They will share their knowledge about such things as governance, fees, dogs on or off leashes, administrative styles, and the economic impact of a park.

Lorraine Ashdown