Expect to pay more to use national parks
Ottawa studies new ways to raise money, including fees on highways that cross parks
The federal government is hunting for more cash from Canada's national parks and historic sites, including potential new fees for some activities and services - such as fees for using public highways that cross major B.C. and Alberta parks.
Parks Canada hopes to identify new sources of revenue from retail, con-cessions, Internet activities, licensing/royalties, rentals, membership, public programs and other ventures, according to the summary of a new "revenue generation study" it is commissioning.
"Some of our locations can have lots of potential for that kind of revenue generation," said Ed Jager, director of visitor experience with Parks Canada. The agency responsible for 42 national parks, 167 national historic sites and three marine conservation areas is also hunting for new sources of contributions, such as individual and corporate donations, fundraising and annual giving.
Federal Environment Minister Peter Kent, who is in charge of Parks Canada, released a report in November that said the country's national parks and heritage sites are raking in billions of dollars for Canada's economy, with more than 80 per cent of the revenue coming from visitors.
He also announced most public user fees in parks and historic sites will remain frozen until April 2013. But Parks Canada, which only covers about 30 per cent of the costs of providing visitor services and facilities from fees, is looking for additional dollars to support its operations and enhance tourists' experiences.
The agency's request for private-sector submissions says the focus is on new opportunities to collect cash rather than increasing existing park user fees.
"The purpose of [the study] is to analyze Parks Canada's potential to generate increased net revenue from sources that are currently under-performing or are untapped," says the proposal for the study, which is expected to cost $50,000.
Existing or new facilities, services and products for which user fees do not now apply will also examined.
Of note, the work proposal identifies highways for which user fees are not charged for through traffic in national parks across Canada, including Banff, Jasper and Waterton Lakes, Alta.; and at Kootenay and Yoho in B.C. Jager said the study would likely consider the feasibility of charging user fees for through traffic "and what would be the implications from it."
The study is to be completed and delivered to the government by late March 2012.
Monica Andreeff, executive director of the Association for Mountain Parks Protection and Enjoyment, said her group opposes any measures that would compromise the ecological integrity of the parks. However, she applauds the agency for looking at new sources of revenue to improve visitors' enjoyment of the parks.
"They're struggling to fund what they do have now. Parks Canada actually needs an infusion of cash," Andreeff said Wednesday. "A lot of its infra-structure is suffering."
Moreover, many urbanites and new citizens are out of touch with the country's parks and historic sites, and the agency must look at new ways to attract visitors to "maintain the relevancy to Canadians," she said.
Expect to pay more to use national parks
Ottawa studies new ways to raise money, including fees on highways that cross parks
The federal government is hunting for more cash from Canada's national parks and historic sites, including potential new fees for some activities and services - such as fees for using public highways that cross major B.C. and Alberta parks.
Parks Canada hopes to identify new sources of revenue from retail, con-cessions, Internet activities, licensing/royalties, rentals, membership, public programs and other ventures, according to the summary of a new "revenue generation study" it is commissioning.
"Some of our locations can have lots of potential for that kind of revenue generation," said Ed Jager, director of visitor experience with Parks Canada. The agency responsible for 42 national parks, 167 national historic sites and three marine conservation areas is also hunting for new sources of contributions, such as individual and corporate donations, fundraising and annual giving.
Federal Environment Minister Peter Kent, who is in charge of Parks Canada, released a report in November that said the country's national parks and heritage sites are raking in billions of dollars for Canada's economy, with more than 80 per cent of the revenue coming from visitors.
He also announced most public user fees in parks and historic sites will remain frozen until April 2013. But Parks Canada, which only covers about 30 per cent of the costs of providing visitor services and facilities from fees, is looking for additional dollars to support its operations and enhance tourists' experiences.
The agency's request for private-sector submissions says the focus is on new opportunities to collect cash rather than increasing existing park user fees.
"The purpose of [the study] is to analyze Parks Canada's potential to generate increased net revenue from sources that are currently under-performing or are untapped," says the proposal for the study, which is expected to cost $50,000.
Existing or new facilities, services and products for which user fees do not now apply will also examined.
Of note, the work proposal identifies highways for which user fees are not charged for through traffic in national parks across Canada, including Banff, Jasper and Waterton Lakes, Alta.; and at Kootenay and Yoho in B.C. Jager said the study would likely consider the feasibility of charging user fees for through traffic "and what would be the implications from it."
The study is to be completed and delivered to the government by late March 2012.
Monica Andreeff, executive director of the Association for Mountain Parks Protection and Enjoyment, said her group opposes any measures that would compromise the ecological integrity of the parks. However, she applauds the agency for looking at new sources of revenue to improve visitors' enjoyment of the parks.
"They're struggling to fund what they do have now. Parks Canada actually needs an infusion of cash," Andreeff said Wednesday. "A lot of its infra-structure is suffering."
Moreover, many urbanites and new citizens are out of touch with the country's parks and historic sites, and the agency must look at new ways to attract visitors to "maintain the relevancy to Canadians," she said.
Expect to pay more to use national parks
