Another year, another update on the proposed national park for the South Okanagan that shared brief information on how negotiations remain ongoing.
The negotiations began in 2020, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the governments of Canada and British Columbia and the Syilx Okanagan Nation, represented by the Osoyoos Indian Band and the Lower Similkameen Indian Band.
Once the negotiations are complete for the establishment agreement, the park would be established under the Canada National Parks Act, and discussions would turn to operations and management planning.
The most recent update letter from Parks Canada on the process shared little new information, apart from a section responding to questions about how research and monitoring programs would be conducted if the park were to proceed.
“If the proposed NPR is created, researchers will be able to apply for permits,” Parks Canada shared. “Existing monitoring programs led by the Government of British Columbia will continue, in collaboration with Parks Canada, the Osoyoos Indian Band and the Lower Similkameen Indian Band.”
The working boundary of the proposed national park reserve would cover 270 square kilometres, or 27,300 hectares of land stretching from the Similkameen Valley along Highway 3 to the Okanagan Valley along Highway 97.
Parks Canada says it has contacted about 930 individuals from more than 300 organizations, mailed six update newsletters to roughly 4,000 residents, and generated about 300 media stories on the proposed park.
READ MORE: New national park ‘closer than it’s ever been’ in South Okanagan
At a presentation to the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen board in 2025, the Parks Canada representative said that the park was closest it has ever been to having an agreement in place.
One issue under discussion is how to ensure continuity for range-holders while limiting impacts on their operations if the park proceeds.
Other land use agreements, such as mining claims, were also stated to still be outstanding at that meeting.
Throughout the process, Parks Canada has also repeated that there would be no expropriation of private property or requirements forcing private landholders within the boundaries to sell only to Parks Canada, if the national park were to be established.