A peaked interest in tourism has sparked conversation about the expansion and upgrade of Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park.
Architectual and environmental planner Raymond Visser detailed some of the preliminary plans being made for the park during a workshop held at the Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band offices on Feb. 17.
Located along the Adams River, the park is known world over for the annual sockeye salmon run. This event attracted more than 155,000 visitors in 2010, and even more are expected to be attending the 2014, the next peak year for the salmon run.
The information presented at the workshop was the culmination of public participation over the past few months.
The planned upgrades to the area are intended to accommodate present and future tourist demand.
Several Adams River Salmon Society who attended the workshops are hopeful some of the plans can be implemented in time for the major run in 2014.
Some of the upgrades being looked into are increased facilities such as flush toilets, a formal reception area and adequate parking to handle the 155,000 visitors who attended the run in September and October of 2010.
Planner Monty Downs of Downs Project Management says Roderick Haig-Brown can be considered one of the five major parks in British Columbia, and is deserving of an upgrade.
Darlene McBain, Adams River Salmon Society president says the plans must now move ahead to involve more of the community.
“This is a world class park, we invite participants to join us and contribute to what will be a major event and venue in British Columbia’s interior,” says McBain.