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Timeline established for national park vote

The community opinion vote on a national park is now scheduled for June 25. On Monday night, council went over a proposed timeline leading up to the vote.

The community opinion vote on a national park is now scheduled for June 25.

On Monday night, council went over a proposed timeline leading up to the vote.

The results of public opinion survey, paid for by Bowen Island Municipality but reimbursed by Parks Canada, will be presented at the March 21 meeting but it's hoped the report will be on the municipality's website before that.

On March 28 council will receive comments from the greenways committee on the preliminary park concept.

On April 4 council expects the report from the national park community advisory committee, including recommendations.

On that day, Parks Canada should be presenting any amendments to the preliminary park concept based on community comments (which can be submitted until March 28.)

In April and early May, discussion will start on wording of opinion, with wording to be voted on at the May 24 meeting.

Tentatively scheduled for May 14 is Parks Canada's public meeting to present the preliminary feasibility assessment study.

Public comments will be received by Parks Canada for 30 days after that.

The assessment study will include: proposed park concept, summaries of consultation and communications, discussions with land management agencies, land analysis, economic impact assessment, social impact assessment, issues/opportunities and high_level recommendations/findings.

Parks Canada said it will not fund the community opinion vote; council has asked for funding from the province. "Regardless of whether the province pays, council is committed to it to a maximum of $10,000," Councillor Nerys Poole said.

Poole also presented to council a list of all council resolutions regarding the national park beginning in May of 2009. This compilation is available on the municipality's website, bimbc.ca.