Parks Consultations Meet Strategy Goal

NOTE: A complete list of public consultations locations and dates follows this release.

Government is acting on another goal of the natural resources strategy by launching provincewide consultations with Nova Scotians about provincial parks.

"We are very proud of our Nova Scotia parks and we want them sustainable for the future," said John MacDonell, acting Minister of Natural Resources. "This consultation will help us develop our parks to meet the goal set out in the natural resources strategy."

A series of community meetings will be held in locations around the province beginning Thursday, May 31. People can also comment through online and telephone surveys.

A simple survey on the Department of Natural Resources website and a telephone survey of Nova Scotians will also provide opportunities for people to express what they value most about provincial parks and how they should be managed in the future.

"We encourage Nova Scotians who use our parks to be part of this system-wide discussion. Their input is welcome and needed," said Mr. MacDonell.

The province's natural resources strategy, The Path We Share, released in August 2011, calls for a review to develop a more sustainable parks system. Information and opinions gathered from Nova Scotians during the consultations will be considered by government to develop an improved, sustainable system of parks.

"Provincial Parks are important to Nova Scotians," says Chris Miller, national conservation biologist for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. "Parks are places where people can go to enjoy nature and learn about conservation, so it's important for park users and all Nova Scotians to make their views heard".

The province has nearly 300 properties in the provincial park system, including 20 camping parks and 122 day-use parks, many with coastal access. Other properties are held in reserve. The consultations will look at whether parks are meeting the mandate of parks legislation and consider opportunities for changes.

English public meetings will be held in 15 towns across the province and French consultations, via video conference, at five French-speaking areas. Details will be advertised locally and are online at: www.gov.ns.ca/natr .

Following is a list of public consultations. All meetings are 7-9 p.m.:

English Sessions Thursday, May 31

• Dartmouth: Ramada Park Place Hotel, 240 Brownlow Ave. Tuesday, June 5
• Bridgewater: Days Inn and Convention Centre, 50 North St.
• Yarmouth: Rodd Grand Hotel, 417 Main St
• Kentville: Fire Hall, 463 Main St. Thursday, June 7
• Shelburne, Royal Canadian Legion, 120 Water St.
• Digby, Royal Canadian Legion, 92 Mount St. Tuesday, June 12
• Baddeck: Fire Hall, 526 Chebucto St.
• Antigonish: Keating Centre, Varsity Drive Thursday, June 14
• Sydney: Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, 50 Maillard St.
• Guysborough: Jost Building, Main St. Tuesday, June 19
• Amherst: Wandlyn Meeting and Convention Centre, Exit 3 Hwy 104
• Truro: NSCC Campus, 36 Arthur St. Thursday, June 21
• Parrsboro: Royal Canadian Legion, 56 Moore St.
• Stellarton: Museum of Industry, 147 North Foord St. Tuesday, June 26
• Halifax, Halifax Forum, 2901 Windsor St.

French Sessions (via video conference): Thursday, June 7

• Universite Sainte-Anne, 1589 rue Walnut
• Pointe-de-l'Eglise, 1695, Route 1
• Tusket, 1 Slocumb Crescent
• Petit-de-Grat, 3433 route 206
• Grand-Etang, 12521 Cabot Trail