There is a lot of misinformation being thrown about regarding the proposed North Thompson Geopark. I will try to dispel some of that misinformation.
I would like to start by saying that the districts of Clearwater and Barriere were asked by the Thompson-Nicola Regional District if they would accept the elector response forms so that it would be more convenient for the public and they agreed.
What they didn’t agree to was being been yelled at, called liars and told that they were ripping up the forms. Please remember they are doing this as a courtesy to you and the TNRD and don’t deserve that kind of treatment.
If you do not feel comfortable giving them your response form you can mail or deliver them in person to the TNRD office at 4th floor, 465 Victoria St, Kamloops, B.C. V2C 2A9 on or before 2 p.m. on Sept. 5.
The TNRD staff has been doing its utmost to provide information and have also been subjected to verbal abuse. The staff are only doing their job and should be treated with respect.
Definition of a Geopark: A UNESCO designated area containing one or more sites of particular geological importance, intended to conserve the geological heritage and promote international and local public awareness of it, typically through tourism.
Definition of World Heritage Site: Gives a complete picture of celebrating our heritage while at the same time conserving the world’s cultural, biological and geological diversity.
A world heritage site, such is being proposed by Mr. Goward and Ms. Hickson for Wells Gray Provincial Park alone, is a site recognized for its outstanding international importance and is deserving of special protection.
Geoparks are much more flexible designation that allows branding and marketing to bring international and local visitors and economic growth (tourism) to the area without imposing any additional restrictions on land use or resource extraction.
A geopark does not have any impact on logging, mining, etc. nor do they stop wood-burning stoves. In fact it encourages economic development.
The major difference between a geopark and a world heritage site is that the latter has more stringent conditions and criteria, and a large difference in costs. When geoparks and world heritage sites are in the same area they enhance and add value to each other.
If the North Thompson Geopark is successful it would be the biggest geopark in the world. But first we have to have public support, then send a letter of intent to UNESCO and, if accepted, we then have to make an application to UNESCO to become a designated geopark.
This process could take up to two to three years before UNESCO makes the final decision.
We need economic development in the North Thompson Valley and this is just one way. Tourism is a major factor in this area and the geopark would enhance it. We would become not just locally known but internationally.
The cost to property owners within the service area with a residential property assessed at $145,000 (average residential assessment in 2017) would be $11.30 per year. If Valemount and a portion of Fraser Fort George Regional District come on board then the taxes would go down because they would share in the costs.
Also, the TNRD would apply for grants yearly and, if successful, they would help offset the taxes.
The funds or taxes will be used to coordinate tourism and marketing activities.
The last TNRD board of directors initiated looking into the geopark and the current board of directors has approved the process.
The alternative approval process was accepted by the board because it is the most economical way for the taxpayers.
A referendum would have cost from $8,000 to $10,000 for each area, the cost of which would be borne by the taxpayers and it would be more time consuming.
Flyers were not put in the mail was because it would have been cost prohibitive and we are trying to keep costs down.
This is why I have made the flyers and response forms available in different areas for easy access for the public. They can be picked up at Vavenby Store, Vavenby Post Office, Birch Island Store, Blackpool Fire Hall, Upper Clearwater Hall, and at the end of Bill and Sue Ludtke’s driveway in East Blackpool.
I encourage everyone to read the flyer and make an informed decision. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact me at (250) 674-7049 or the TNRD at 1-877-377-8673. Also please remember to fill out the response form only if you disagree with the North Thompson Geopark proposal.
I hope I have answered some of your questions.
– Carol Schaffer is TNRD director for Area A (Wells Gray Country).