The Prince Edward Island Government has accepted the recommendations of a recently completed study on Provincial Parks authored by Enterprise Management Consultants.
The study was commissioned last year by Tourism PEI. Its objective was to undertake a comprehensive review of the provincial parks system and to establish strategic direction for future operations. Research was carried out last summer involving input from both visitors and local residents. The report is titled "Created with Vision - To Be Promoted and Preserved - A Review of the Provincial Parks." The report contains 34 recommendations regarding the future operations and management of the parks system.
"Government has accepted the report in principle and will be acting on many of the recommendations as budget permits," said Tourism Minister Greg Deighan.
"My recent announcement in the Legislature that key provincial parks would be opening earlier this year and staying open longer is a direct result of the direction set out in this report," said Minister Deighan.
A key theme of the report is the value of PEI's provincial parks to tourism, recreation and preservation. "PEI's provincial parks are wonderful assets that enhance the quality of our lives on Prince Edward Island. They need to be preserved and protected for our children and their children to enjoy," said the Minister. "I am pleased that with this report we have a plan to ensure their future," he said.
Anyone interested in reviewing the report on PEI's provincial parks can obtain a copy online at the government website www.gov.pe.ca, clicking on the "publications" option and selecting "tourism" as the designated department. Printed copies may also be picked up at Island Information Service, 11 Kent Street.