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May 18, 2022

Letter to BC Parks RE: Canadian Mountain Holidays

Letter from Tourism Industry Association of BC

Advocacy

RE: Mid-term PUP renewal for Canadian Mountain Holidays

Dear Mr. Vander Steen,

As the voice of tourism for the province, the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia (TIABC) advocates for the best interests of our members and stakeholders, particularly on issues such as government policies and regulations that impact operators.

In this case, we are writing on behalf of valued member, Canadian Mountain Holidays LP (CMH), who were recently informed that BC Parks has recommended their park use permit for Goat Range and Monashee Provincial Parks not be extended due to unspecified wildlife concerns.

On the surface, this unilateral decision appears to be heavy-handed and unnecessary given that CMH has consistently shown its deep commitment to stewardship, sustainability, and the recovery of species at risk for decades. In fact, TIABC and multiple adventure tourism operators, including CMH, have been in regular dialogue with the province to address wildlife issues and find innovative ways for the tourism industry to champion wildlife protection and management while continuing operations. The recommendation by BC Parks based on wildlife concerns caught CMH and many in the heli-ski sector by surprise given there were no apparent issues prior to the notice.

As you are likely aware, CMH’s tenure predates the creation of the park. Over the course of several decades, they have been an integral part of the local economy in Nakusp and the surrounding region. Recently, CMH invested in the Lodge at Arrow Lakes creating more employment and economic impact for the area. Losing access to half of their ski terrain would have a dramatic impact on the community, as well as CMH and its employees.

TIABC strongly urges BC Parks to collaborate with CMH to define objectives and measures of success vis-a-vis wildlife management, then jointly develop actions to meet those objectives.

At a time when many sub-sectors of the tourism industry, including Heli-skiing, are still recovering from the devastating impacts of the pandemic, it is vital that the province find ways to support and work with companies like CMH to ensure satisfactory outcomes and benefits for all parties.

Ben, TIABC would be pleased to discuss this issue further at your convenience. In the meantime, we strongly urge BC Parks to approve CMH’s mid-term PUP renewal.

Best Regards,

Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC
778-953-0620

More Advocacy

TIABC is pleased to release its 2022 Advocacy Report Card, which details the advocacy efforts and achievements and synopsis of some of the organization’s key initiatives last year. 

Read now through link in bio. 👆
Tourism leaders cheer on the @canucks in the Rogers Suite. 🏒👏

L-R: Destination Vancouver's Royce Chwin, TIABC's Walt Judas, Tourism Minister Lana Popham, Sport Hosting Vancouver's Michelle Collens, TIABC Director/VCC's Dennis Innes, Indigenous Tourism BC's Henry Tso.

#bctourismcounts #bctourism #tourismsector #bc #tourism #bcstrong #explorebc #hellobc
Each year, on March 8th, people around the world celebrate International Women's Day and the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Today, TIABC salutes the women on our board and staff who are so valued, respected and appreciated by colleagues throughout the entire BC tourism industry. 

⭐ Brenda Baptiste
⭐Joanne Burns-Millar
⭐Pria Flanagan
⭐Miranda Ji
⭐Deborah Kulchiski
⭐Sandra Oldfield
⭐Sandra van Steijn 
⭐Fiona Wray

Thank you for your incredible contribution to our organization and to BC’s visitor economy.

#bctourismcounts #bctourism #tourismsector #bc #tourism #bcstrong #explorebc #hellobc #internationalwomensday #womenintourism #womensday #IWD2023 #embraceequity
Over the weekend, TIABC CEO Walt Judas, Vancouver City Councillor Pete Fry, and Sport Hosting Vancouver Senior Manager Michelle Collens enjoyed watching the Canada Sevens rugby tournament at BC Place! 🏉

#bctourismcounts #bctourism #tourismsector #bc #tourism #bcstrong #explorebc #hellobc #GreenMeansGo #rugbysevens #bcplace
What a great first day at the BCTHC 👏

We had an incredible first day in Prince George gathering with industry friends and experiencing the many wonders that the incredible Northern BC region has to offer!

#BCTourismandHospitalityConference #bcthc #conference #tourism #StayBC #BCTourismCounts #BCTHC2023Tourism
TIABC CEO, Walt Judas and @bchotelassociation CEO Ingrid Jarrett attended the @pgcougars game on the eve of the 2023 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference in Prince George. 🏒

#BCTourismandHospitalityConference #bcthc #conference #tourism #StayBC #BCTourismCounts