Photo: Parks Canada

Federal and provincial environment ministers will be in Osoyoos Tuesday for an announcement regarding the proposed national park reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen.

The park has been discussed for over a decade and has been particularly contentious in recent years, sparking protests and divided opinions in southern communities. 

Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna and B.C.'s Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy George Heymen will join Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band and Chief Keith Crow of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band for the morning announcement. 

Parks Canada conducted an online survey in early 2019 which garnered 2,740 responses. Four in ten participants in the process voiced concerns, with many worried access to the backcountry will be limited for activities like off-roading and hunting.

The park's proposed boundaries fill the area between Oliver and Osoyoos to the east and Keremeos to the west. Parks Canada said in May that a decision on the project was likely years away.  

Tuesday's announcement will take place at the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre.