Letters to MLAs

We've recently received reports that there have been new No Parking signs installed in the Zopkios parking area. This severely limits parking in the areas with trailheads for Needle, Nak, Coquihalla Summit, and other destinations popular for both winter and summer use. This not only greatly reduces recreational opportunities in that immediate area, but also puts further pressure on other areas that are already in high demand. Additionally, having cars towed from this area during bad weather is a safety concern. If someone comes off the trail cold and fatigued to find their vehicle gone, there is no easy way to get assistance.

If you are disappointed by the lack of consideration for recreationalists, we invite you to write an email or letter to your elected representative.

Who Should I contact?

• Relevant MLAs
  • Kelly Greene < Mailto:kelly@kellygreene.ca > NDP/Richmond-Steveston, Minister of the Environment Parliamentary Secretary
  • Jordan Sturdy <Mailto:Jordan.Sturdy.MLA@leg.bc.ca > Liberal / West Vancouver-Sea to Sky
  • Sonia Furnstenau <Mailto:Sonia.Furnstenau.MLA@leg.bc.ca > Green/Cowichan Valley
  • David Eby <Mailto:david.eby.mla@leg.bc.ca > NDP / Vancouver-Point Grey
• Ministers
  • Environment: George Heyman <Mailto:ENV.Minister@gov.bc.ca >

• Deputy Ministers
  • Kevin Jardine <Mailto:DM.ENV@gov.bc.ca >
  • Grant Main <Mailto:DeputyMinister.Transportation@gov.bc.ca >

• BC Parks
  • Assistant Deputy Minister: Jim Standen <Mailto:Jim.Standen@gov.bc.ca >
  • South Coast Planning Section Regional Director: Jennie Aikman <Mailto:Jennie.Aikman@gov.bc.ca >
  • Issues Manager: Launa Murai <Mailto:Launa.Murai@gov.bc.ca >
  • District Manager: Rob Wilson <[1]>

References for other contacts:

BC Parks Board

Ministers

Deputy Ministers

MLAs

What Should I say?

Here are some templates and discussion points that you can use to help structure your letter. The more personalized, the better! Please include any past experiences you have had with restricted access in the area, and any outdoor clubs/ organizations you may be affiliated with.

Possible Talking Points:

• This is a year round access point
• Reducing parking in this area will put further demand on other recreational areas and access points, such as the Falls Lake turnoff.
• Towing cars from this area is extremely dangerous- if a person comes back during bad weather to find their car towed, there is no easy way to get assistance.
• The lack of consultation with recreationalists is highly concerning

Template

Subject: Coquihalla Summit Recreation Area: Restrictions in Zopkios Parking Area

TO:  EMAILS OF SELECTED PEOPLE ABOVE

Dear NAMES OF PEOPLE SELECTED,

I am writing about the newly installed No Parking signs in the Zopkios parking area.

This parking area services trailheads that provide important recreational opportunities, and the new regulations prevent me from being able to recreate in the designated recreation area.

In the past, I have parked in this area to access

• Needle
• Nak
• Coquihalla Summit

I enjoy:

• FORMS OF BACKCOUNTRY RECREATION (Ski touring, snowshoeing, hiking, etc)
• LENGTHS OF TRIPS (day or overnight)
• Season during which you use this area

With the growing interest in winter backcountry recreation (snowshoeing, hiking and ski touring) and the huge urban populations in the Lower Mainland and communities in Hope and the surrounding area, BC cannot afford to have access restricted any further.

I am getting very frustrated and disheartened by the continual loss of non-motorized, backcountry recreation opportunities in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor and am hoping to see the current government implement better access. 

Please work with recreational stakeholders as well as other government offices to find a more suitable solution.

Best regards,

NAME

TITLES/CLUB AFFILIATIONS