B.C. Parks to receive $83 million to fund more campsites, staff, trail upgrades

B.C. Parks will receive a funding boost of $83 million over three years to create more campsites, hire more park staff, and improve hiking trails to make them more accessible.

Environment Minister George Heyman made the announcement Friday, along with Kelly Greene, parliamentary secretary for environment, and Annita Mcphee, executive director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.

The B.C. Parks capital budget will increase by an average of 57 per cent and the operating budget will increase by an average of 22 per cent for each year, the government said.

For this season, approximately 185 sites are being added to B.C. Parks, including a new 90-site campground in Manning Park, which is to open in July.