By Rob TurnerSunday, November 5, 2006 http://www.pentictonherald.ca/article_2365.php
No one wants to build a 100-bed hotel in Fintry.The provincial government’s Request for Proposal (RFP) to build and operate a lodge in Fintry Provincial Park closed this week without any proponents stepping forward.Environment Minister Barry Penner announced in July that the province would consider proposals for “fixed-roof accommodation” in 12 provincial parks. The Regional District of Central Okanagan, which had not been consulted by the province, has been concerned about the Fintry proposal.It was especially irked by the lack of consultation in light of its contribution of several million dollars of regional taxpayers’ money to help acquire the park.Dave Richmond, regional recreation section head with Environment, spoke Thursday to the regional Parks Advisory Committee just hours before the deadline for the first set of RFPs.Richmond said Fintry, and Myra-Bellevue, were two of about 20 provincial parks that were originally identified as “best bets” for sensitive commercial development.Just because there is no interest at this time for a Fintry development, future applications will be considered, Richmond said.“If we were ever going to have a big one (up to 100 beds) anywhere, it would be Fintry,” Richmond said. “The door will remain open, and anyone can come forward at any time in the future.”It is expected that the Friends of Fintry Society may now come forward with a proposal.Proposals had been received for lodges in Mount Robson Provincial Park and Elk Lakes Provincial Park, both in the Rockies, according to a news release.The opportunity to establish a facility in Wells Gray Provincial Park, located in the Cariboo Mountains, did not attract interest, according to a ministry spokesperson.Myra-Bellevue and five others close on Nov. 27 at 2 p.m. Two others, Cape Scott and Mt. Assiniboine, were earlier extended to Dec. 4 and Jan. 15, respectively, according to the release.
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