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BC Parks Fixed-Roof Accommodation Policy

The BC Parks Fixed-Roof Accommodation Policy [PDF 71KB] is aimed at encouraging a broader range of British Columbians and tourists to enjoy our world-class parks system. It will enable a greater variety of opportunities for healthy, nature-based recreation; ensure ecologically-sensitive operations that support park values; and provide a clear, open and fair process for evaluating new or expanded visitor accommodation services in British Columbia’s provincial parks and protected areas system.

To support the development of ecologically sensitive fixed-roof accommodation facilities and to encourage the use of green technologies, Fixed-Roof Accommodation Development Guidelines [PDF 6.09MB] have been prepared. These Guidelines provide important information to proponents in planning and preparing a proposal for the development and operation of fixed-roof accommodation facilities and associated park visitor services.

Fixed-Roof Accommodation Proposals

In August 2006, BC Parks issued requests for proposals (RFPs) to assess interest in providing overnight accommodations in 12 provincial parks. The attached Status Report [PDF 44KB] provides a summary of the results of this RFP process and the current progress to date.

Kokanee Glacier Ecolodge

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In addition to ministry-solicited proposals, the policy also applies to unsolicited proposals from commercial or non-commercial individuals or organizations. With the exception of the expansion of an existing facility or a new facility development by an existing tenured park operator, BC Parks is not accepting any further fixed-roof accommodation proposals until at least September 1, 2007.

During this period BC Parks will accept statements of interest, which will be used by staff to assess suitability of the area for a fixed-roof development opportunity. Following this preliminary assessment, a decision would be made whether a proposal should be accepted for further consideration and the manner in which the opportunity would be allocated.


Public Consultation


Any new fixed-roof accommodation facility will be subject to BC Parks’ comprehensive Impact Assessment Process, as well as consultation with local First Nations, the public and government agencies. Public review and comment regarding fixed-roof accommodation proposals will normally be obtained through open houses held within the local community. These open houses would be attended by ministry staff, be advertised in the local media well in advance and would allow public to provide input into a proposal through the use of a Public Comment Form.

Fixed-roof accommodation proposals that are in the public consultation phase will be posted on this web page. Details regarding how you can submit written comments, as well as the ministry’s reason for decision will also be posted here.

Park Use Permit Decisions

20-year park use permit, commencing November 1, 2007, has been issued to The Alpine Club of Canada for the continued operation of the fixed-roof accommodation facility and campgrounds within Elk Lakes Provincial Park.