While the new plans will build on existing policy and plan direction, they will be rewritten and updated to better address emerging issues, new knowledge and the results of engagement processes. The new plans will provide more clarity; respond to government priorities and Parks Canada Agency strategic direction; and reaffirm ecological and commemorative integrity as the first priorities.

Parks Canada will use the plan review process to continue its work with the public, partners and Indigenous groups to help advance shared goals for conservation and enjoyment of the mountain national parks. Engagement on the development of the plans presents opportunities to incorporate principles and actions respecting the Government of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation.

Parks Canada will use the plan review to reaffirm ecological integrity as its first priority in the management of national parks. To ensure it can respond to the challenges of climate change, impacts to ecological integrity, and development and commercial pressures, Parks Canada will advance and make the best use of conservation science and Indigenous traditional knowledge. This framework will safeguard these parks as treasured places for generations to come.

The management plan review process provides an opportunity for increased public and Indigenous involvement and for Parks Canada to demonstrate transparency in its decision making.

Each national park requires a management plan that describes its vision and broad direction. A management plan outlines specific objectives and actions for the next ten years in key areas including: ecological integrity, cultural resources, external relations, indigenous relations, visitor experience and built assets.The management planning process involves: assessing the current state of the park, determining important trends, pressures and opportunities, setting priorities for the park, and seeking input from interested Indigenous nations and Canadians.

Parks management plans include a vision of the park at its future best. Key strategies to achieve that vision are described, along with management objectives for the next five to ten years. Parks Canada wants to hear from Indigenous communities, stakeholders and Canadians about what is important to them in the management of the national parks. This input will be incorporated into draft park management plans. Once a draft management plan is prepared, it will be made available for public comment in the next phase.

An important part of the development of any management plan is understanding the perspectives and aspirations of interested Indigenous nations, stakeholders and Canadians. It is only by engaging with the public that Parks Canada can make sure that the future direction of Yoho and Kootenay national parks reflects the perspectives and aspirations of the people the parks are managed for.

At the end of the first phase, Parks Canada will carefully review and analyze all feedback. The information gathered will be used to create a draft management plan for each park that will be presented for further public comment before final approval and tabling of the plan in parliament.

Parks Canada is inviting interested Indigenous nations, stakeholders and Canadians to provide input on the scoping phase of the park management plans for all the mountain parks from January 30 to April 30, 2019. For more information, email pc.kootenay-opinion.pc@canada.ca